Philosophy

The Harold Hawthorne Community Centre, a Not For Profit Public Benevolent institution is a completely independent autonomous Incorporated Association that began over 40 years ago. It was a vision of Harold Hawthorne, a former town councilor, to provide a service to the Senior Citizens of the Vic Park/Carlisle areas and is now almost an institution in the Town of Vic Park. Harold never saw the Centre completed but the Centre bears his name as a means of honoring his vision.

The Association comprises of members who appoint a Board of volunteers to act in the best interests of the Association by overseeing the governance issues of the organization. The Board has appointed an Executive Director and has employed staff to manage the day to day functions of the Centre.

The purpose of the Board is to provide activities, facilities and services to the over 55's population of the Town of Vic Park. Part of the way it does this is to manage the Memorial Hall and to provide support for programs run by the Social Club such as Bowls, Bingo, activities and promotions that the Club puts on. The Centre also offers Podiatry Services and sponsors the Home and Community Care programs and Meals on Wheels program servicing the Local area.

Introduction

Harold Hawthorne Centre provides not only a place for over 55's to come and socialize and congregate, but also provides lunch meals on weekdays in the Dining Room, an Op-shop to browse and pick up bargains in, a billiards room, bingo, bowls outings, a Day Centre for older residents of the local area and a 41 unit Retirement Village.

It also sponsors the First and Second Click computer and Internet training program funded through the state government as well as providing a lounge/theatre showing movies and providing coffee and cake movie afternoons.

The Centre manages the Memorial Hall and many activities take place there, from fashion parades and concerts, to Anzac Day services and presentations of interesting note. The Memorial Hall has a long association in the area. Originally constructed in 1920 and then rebuilt in 1964 after a fire destroyed the building, many long time residents of the area remember with fondness the many dances, socials and weddings that took place over the years here.

Annual functions like Christmas in July, Easter lunches and Melbourne Cup on the big screen are big winners throughout the year.

Because the Association is a Not for Profit, any income generated from fees for services and activities is used within the organization to improve the facilities and services and activities provided by the Centre.