YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS • FEBRUARY/MARCH 2014 PAGE
YOUR
Centres
Harmony Day at Kilburn
Community Centre
In 2014 Kilburn Community Centre will again celebrate
Harmony Day on Friday 21 March. Activities have
changed for this year to a series of film screenings and
the launch of an international tea bar.
The popular
Colourfest film festival
will be coming to the
centre, with three film screenings during Harmony Day
at 10am, 11.30am and 1pm. The films shown are from
amateur Australian filmmakers representing aspects of
multicultural life and the interaction of new migrants with
Australian customs and ways of life. Each screening will
show the same set of films and will run for approximately
an hour each.
During Harmony Day the Kilburn Community Centre
‘World of Tea’ will be launched, a tea bar showcasing
diverse styles and methods of brewing. Several teas will
be brewed throughout the day so feel free to pass through
for a quick cuppa or stay around to compare different
types.
Harmony Day participants are welcome to bring their
own snacks to enjoy during the films, or their lunch
to complement the tea bar experience.
For further information about Harmony Day events
at Kilburn Community Centre in 2014, please contact
the Centre Coordinator via 8349 8363 or
Volunteering at Kilburn
Francoise Penaluna has worked as a Volunteer at the Kilburn
Community Centre for the past 15 years. “When my children
started to leave the nest I decided to widen my horizon and
donate a few hours weekly to the local Kilburn Community
Centre” explains Francoise. Francoise had worked in various
roles in both primary and high schools in the Council area,
including teaching the French language to Year 13 students.
“After a friendly interview with the Council, I expected to
be filing papers or sticking envelopes. To my great surprise
and excitement I was asked to run English classes from the
Kilburn Community Centre. Having been a migrant myself (I
migrated in 1971 with my parents and five siblings) I knew
exactly what was needed to assist families to adjust to life in
Australia. In no time, I had 27 regular students at a variety
of levels, and from about 15 nationalities! Most students had
basic English (some more basic than others) but most of them
were literate in their own language.”
Volunteering has opened doors for Francoise. “I did an
English as a Second Language (ESL) tutor’s course. I had
several helpers over the years, usually students looking for
practical placements for their uni courses, and made some
great friends.”
Francoise has been able to offer a helping hand to the
English program students. “Some have had traumatic
journeys, are facing an uncertain future and miss their
families greatly. The Program introduces new Australians
not only to the English language, but to a wonderful culture
where all are treated with respect and are extended a hand
of friendship when they need it most. Working as a volunteer
for the past 15 years has enriched my life and, dare I say,
blessed many others.”
Francoise Penaluna at the
Kilburn Community Centre
