94 Mangan St, Tongala 3621 Phone:58591268 Open: Monday 9-2, Tuesday to Thursday 9 - 4, Friday closed.
The Cottage (TCAC) was an idea spawned over a Sunday cup of coffee in 1977. The discussion centered upon a perceived need to get people to mingle and to provide ambience for creative pursuits. Particularly in an area where sport was the time honored activity for those who could participate.
The group organized a one-night display in a spare room at the school. On that evening people of the community were invited to come and try gem stone polishing, spinning wool, wood turning, oil painting, to inspect a collection of old bottles, be introduced to the wonders of Bridge and to learn how to propagate African Violets.
About 70 people turned up and the major recollection of the evening was that everyone talked, and talked and talked. From this beginning a small group of about ten people made a commitment and decided to invest in their community. Hence the 'Cottage' was born.
By the early 80's the Cottage was an accepted part of local life and regular meetings of more than thirty organizations were being held there. This diversity of activities illustrated the degree to which the concept had permeated our community. The organisation of events, courses, tutorials, specific purpose meetings and the like, entices people to come together for a common purpose. This has secondary effects in the finding of new friends, the dissemination of news and views, the discussion arena which leads to new ideas and activities, the opportunity to share problems, the acquisition of new skills which build feelings of self-worth and belonging.
The benefits of developing your community through a facility such as a community house are many. They have a ripple effect, and developments from previous ideas can be seen in ever widening circles. A Community House is a friendship house, a feel good about yourself house, a please come again house.
"Somewhere to go; something to do; someone to talk to.
- Category:
- Non-profit organization