Three Aboriginal women instrumental in establishing Dubbo’s Apollo House have happily handed on the baton to a new group equally committed to enriching people’s lives.
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Michelle and Ellen Doolan and Kamilaroi elder Aunty Isabel Fernando were special guests at the launch of the Resilience program which is being run by Apollo House’s new service providers, Leader in Development.
About 60 people attended the official launch yesterday.
The Leader in Development group was successful in the tender process with Housing NSW: Building Stronger Communities to deliver the Resilience program.
Homework, literacy, healthy eating and budgeting are some areas hoped to be addressed through the program offered at the newly renovated facility in Collins Avenue.
Up until recently, Housing NSW leased Apollo House to the Thubbo Aboriginal Medical Service and the East Dubbo women’s group managed it.
Michelle Doolan, who has been living in the Apollo Estate for 10 years, said Apollo House is an integral part of the Dubbo community.
“Apollo House was born out of an idea from 2004,” East Dubbo women’s group member Ms Doolan said.
“We didn’t have a centre here over east like Gordon House in west ... people felt isolated.
“We are excited about the new group and the sorts of services and program run here and we will work with the new group giving them support.” Aunty Isabel said the newly renovated facility would continue to bring the community together.
“Apollo House provides a link to services for the families here in east, we have run all sorts of programs here from play groups, holiday centre and reading programs,” Aunty Isabel said.
Leader in Development founder Johanna Leader encourages agencies which may be able to assist with workshops, activities or services at Apollo House to contact them on 68818756.
“The team will co-ordinate a range of activities and programs for families such as playgroups, reading groups, health focus groups and workshops for parents,” Ms Leader said.