Our Board Our Staff Our Volunteers Our Services Our Strategic Plan
Quercus Beechworth, previously known as the Beechworth Neighbourhood Centre, has a long and proud history in the Beechworth community since 1985. Over that time it has grown and developed, connecting those who have participated in classes, generously volunteered their time or attended events. Quercus Beechworth has always been a place where people come together to share, learn, connect, support and offer assistance.
Being responsive to Beechworth community interests has led to our focus on Community Food, Community Learning, Community Enterprise, Community Events and Community Support.
Our activities reflect the ever evolving community interests as shown through:
- Our community food garden with a wood fired oven and a commercial community kitchen space where people can come together to share food and conversation or to work together on a common project.
- Supporting and connecting communities through food with the innovative Community Food program and our regular Community Sharing Feasts
- Our broad range of interesting, educational and fun activities with something for everyone and the fantastic spaces we hire for community activities and events.
- Our successful community enterprise, Quercus Community Bookshop, is an inviting and friendly place with a great range of second hand books. Open seven days a week, thanks to our wonderful team of volunteers, all books are donated by the community with proceeds supporting the activities of Quercus Beechworth.
Located on the corner of Church and Ford Streets in two historic churches, Quercus Beechworth is perfectly placed and easily accessible for residents and visitors.
Quercus Beechworth is operated by friendly and experienced staff and volunteers guided by the Quercus Beechworth Board.
We continue to support and build strong partnerships with local organisations and community groups.
Quercus Beechworth is passionately committed to providing opportunities for all those in Beechworth to come together to share, learn, connect & support.
Community Partnerships
Working in partnership with our local community and organisations is at the core of what we value at Quercus Beechworth. Over the years Quercus Beechworth has developed strong partnerships with Indigo Shire, Beechworth Correctional Centre, Beechworth Health and many other community organisations. We have auspiced and supported community organisations and projects such as the Kerferd Oration, Beechworth Men’s Shed and the Changing Minds Project.
The Corrective Services, Community Work team are active around Quercus Beechworth and within the Beechworth community. They are involved in Quercus Beechworth projects such as:
- Preparing, cooking and packaging meals for the Community Food Program.
- Tutoring in Quercus Beechworth workshops such as the recycled timber garden planter box workshop
- Raising seedlings for the Community garden
- Refitting and refurbishing Quercus Community Bookshop
- Building the Kitchen Garden and wood fired oven.
Our Board
Our board is made up of skilful and dedicated volunteers who meet regularly throughout the year. The current members are:
- Julia Vesval – Chairperson
- Anne Geddes – Deputy Chairperson
- Robyn Donnelly – Secretary
- Don Pope – Treasurer
- Wendy Kelly
- Rick Box
- Anne Sutton
- Leslie Milne
Every few years we review our strategic plan, what we would like to achieve and how we will do this. If you would like to know more about the role of the board, how you could become a member or how you can contribute, please get in touch.
View our 2019-21 Strategic Plan
Our Staff
We are currently preparing for the recruitment of a new Manager. In the interim, the following people will keep our Centre operating with the support of our volunteers:
Paivi Watson – Manager – email
Jan Ryan – Quercus Community Bookshop Coordinator
Thursdays and Fridays – email
Lastari Duggan – Finance Officer – email
Jo Russell – Interim Admin. Officer – Activities and Venue Hire
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday – email
& also
Beechworth Community Support – email
Our Volunteers
Volunteers are the backbone and lifeblood of Quercus Beechworth and we place great value on the contribution of each and every one.
If you are interested in finding out about volunteering in our organisation please contact Jan Ryan. We would be delighted to have a coffee with you and tell you more about the opportunities in our organisation.
Volunteering offers people the opportunity to contribute to their community, meet people, update or acquire new skills and share in local experiences. Quercus, with its diversity of activities and supportive environment, is a great place to volunteer.
We have volunteering positions available in:
- cooking
- gardening
- retail (Op Shop & Quercus Community Books)
- administration
- event management
Quercus Beechworth welcomes and supports all types of volunteers: community members, student placements, people on community based orders, people seeking employment skills and people new to town.
Our Services
Internet Access, Printing, Copying and Scanning
These services are available at Quercus Community Bookshop 10.00am – 4.00pm seven days a week.
Government Access Point
Quercus Beechworth has a Government Access Point – for Services Australia – Centrelink, Medicare and other government services. Internet access, fax and phone links are provided to facilitate contact with government services.
Policies
Quercus Beechworth Grievance and dispute Policy
