Orana was initially established in 1989 as Knox Family Centre, located at 16 High Street Bayswater, to foster self-help and mutual assistance and support to families who were isolated or stressed. In 1997, our name changed to Bayswater Neighbourhood House and we relocated to the empty Orana pre-school building in Coleman Road, Wantirna South.
From its origins in Bayswater, Orana retained a strong family support focus and well established self-help and support groups, leadership in the provision of parenting programs and excellent occasional child care. However, due to lack of government funding and low enrolment numbers, Orana closed its three year old kinder and occasional care services June 2013.
Today Orana receives funding from ACFE, Dept of Community & Planning, Department of Education & Early Childhood Development and Knox City Council.
We continue to strive to support and meet our community needs by offering quality low cost adult education and programs to improve well-being, creativity and social connection. Through recent funding from Family Learning Partnerships, we hope to re-establish links with local families, and reduce barriers for learning, for our CALD community and all who attend our space.
We are lucky to have a dedicated team of staff, board members, volunteers and tutors that make Orana Neighbourhood House an inclusive and special place.
Emily Harnett
Sandra Chapman
Margaret Ledwidge
Keira de Hoog
Gary Cantwell – President
Margaret Quon – Vice President
Leanne Conway – Secretary
Dianne Adams – Treasurer
Margaret Montaldo
Barry Treadwell
Margaret Topp
Peter Allen
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri and Bunurong people as the Traditional Owners of the Country on which Orana Neighbourhood House is located, we pay our respects to Elders past, present and future, and extend respect to all First Nations People.
Orana Neighbourhood House is an inclusive place that offers opportunities for connection to all members of the community. We have accessible facilities and all people are welcome.
