1990s history

Early 1990s

Funding difficulties were hindering the progress of Duke Street at this time and long term projects could not be initiated. Unlike other community centres Duke Street did not receive funding grants from the local council, this made the position of the house one of survival, rather than functional. Programs continued to flourish but the condition of the house was poor, equipment was broken, funding was limited and the carpet was threadbare. A small facelift was given by painting which brightened the place up. In an effort to raise funds the assistance of local businessmen was sought. Confidence of success in this venture was high and the newsletter “Duke Street News” published bi-monthly acknowledged donations or contributions.

1994

The demand for childcare at Duke Street started to increase and the need for better and bigger facilities became evident. Funding was sought and granted from the Department of Recreation and the new extensions were completed. This soon became a very popular service. Today this facility caters for over 70 families per week plus a playgroup and is also used for classes and community groups. In 1997, a Brimbank City Council project called Greening Brimbank was started and the backyard of the house was re-landscaped with paving, a patio area and a BBQ.

1995 - Western Women's Domestic Violence Support Network

The Committee of Management was approached by the Red Cross and asked to consider the auspice of a new group who would provide support to women who had left abusive family situations. The Western Women’s Domestic Violence Support Network came into existence and brought together a most amazing group of women who for the past 8 years have become leading advocates in the struggle against domestic violence. This dedicated group today provides support to over 100 women per year. The network continues to train over 20 volunteers each year and a number of these women have gone on to paid positions in the area of domestic violence support or to further study in the areas such as social work and community development. The mid 1990’s also saw some streamlining of Duke Street operations. A stable and committed Committee of Management completed changes and improvements. The house was now in the position to employ extra staff.

1996

Duke Street was connected to the Internet and an information technology program started to evolve. Students who were initially reluctant to even touch a computer were soon hooked into the technological age, surfing the net, creating web pages and chatting to people on the other side of the world. After many years of strong community commitment the house was experiencing a time of change. The committee began working as a team, lobbying council and other government bodies for better resources and funding. Since that time Duke Street has maintained a strong and dedicated committee that has achieved much for the house. Over the past few years, Council has provided some much needed renovations.

1999

The culmination of a lot of hard work in the information technology area of Adult Education came in this year when the house became involved in the Bangemann Challenge, a competition held in Sweden. A visit by one of the Challenge’s coordinators led to a nomination for the way Duke Street Community House used information technology in the community. Although the house did not win an award, Toula Karayannis, Education Coordinator, was asked to make a presentation in Sweden at the exhibition held in conjunction with the awards ceremony.