Services and Help
6 February 2025 2025-09-20 3:01Services and Help
Our Centre is here to serve our community, and we offer the following assistance:
For all support services available within the Cardinia Shire, see: https://www.cardiniasupport.com.au
Free Community Pantry
We have a small variety of staple groceries and fresh produce available for those in need. The pantry is available in our entry foyer when the Centre is open. Donations are welcomed. The idea behind the pantry is “take what you need and give what you can”. This is a chance for neighbours to help neighbours during some challenging times. We are grateful to Woolworths Beaconsfield and Community Bank Beaconsfield District for ongoing support with donations and funding.
There is no registration required, but we ask people to please use this service with consideration for others. It is there to support as many people as possible and is not intended to be a complete food relief source. Other local organisations which can help with more substantial food aid include;
Salvation Army: 1300 371 28
ADRA: 1800 242 372
Bless Collective: 0407 769 237
Book Swap
Our free book swap library is located in the foyer and people can freely exchange books they’ve read with others. The core concept is to “take a book, leave a book,” fostering a community-based system for sharing books and promoting reading without cost. We don’t catalogue or trace the books and depend on the community to use this service respectfully.
Public Internet Access
Our organisation is committed to sustaining information availability and equity for our community. Beaconsfield Neighbourhood Centre receives annual funding from the Cardinia Shire Council to assist in the provision of computers for free public use. The Centre has a dedicated Computer Room with three computers available for the community to use during operating hours. We can also offer wireless internet access for personal mobile devices via a coupon system. Enquire at reception for availability.
Photocopying
For a small fee, our Centre can assist with photocopying and printing. The cost is 20c per side for A4 black and white or 50c for A4 colour. A3 black and white is 50c and A3 colour is $1.
Laminating is also available for $2 A4 or $4 A3.
Tax Help
Tax Help is a network of community volunteers who provide a free and confidential service to help people complete their tax returns. Volunteers are fully trained and accredited. These volunteers are people from within the community who give up their time each year. Our volunteer, Liz, has been giving her time to help people at our Centre from July to October each year. Appointments are free but bookings are essential and conditions apply.
Maternal Child Health Nurse
MCHN provides essential support to families from birth to school age. MCHNs offer guidance on baby feeding, sleep, development, and family wellbeing at key developmental stages, as well as connecting families with community resources and support networks. The Cardinia Shire MCHN is available on certain days at the Centre. Call 5943 4250 for all enquiries and appointments.
You can also access MCHN services through the 24/7 Victorian Maternal and Child Health Line on 13 22 29 for support with child health, nutrition, breastfeeding, and parenting.
Knitting
We have a social knitting group at our Centre, and they have been knitting for charity for many years now. Originally the handover was to the 4Cs in Pakenham and then after they closed, the Bless Collective, Food Pantry and Ambulance Station in Beaconsfield have been the key recipients of their work. If you or an organisation you are involved with could help to ensure these beautiful items bring joy to those people who are less fortunate, please get in touch with us. Primarily the ladies knit blankets and toys for those in need, but also scarves, beanies, gloves, slippers and jumpers. The group has now grown to over 25 knitters and we welcome new members to join them on Monday afternoons.
We invite donations of wool to support this charitable work. Contact reception for more information.
Laundry
Our Craft Room has a European style laundry cupboard with a washing machine and dryer. To assist those in need, our laundry facilities may be available to do an occasional load or two. This must be arranged with Centre staff to suit times that the room is not in use. Call 8768 4400 for more information.
