Published on 17 July 2024
Centres celebrate milestones
This year, two centres in Old Reynella chalk up 100 years of community service between them.
The Neporendi Aboriginal Community Centre and the Reynella Neighbourhood Centre opened their doors to the community 30 and 70 years ago respectively.
During that time, they’ve been at the heart of the community, offering not only a range of events and courses but spaces to belong and contribute.
“Neporendi is about fostering connection, identity and trust within the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community,” says Neporendi’s Community Development Officer, Nora Sevallos.
“It’s more than a centre; it’s a second home for many.”
Neporendi Chairperson Doug Clinch Jnr says his grandparents Ray and Olive Clinch were actively involved in the centre’s establishment.
"Growing up around the centre, Neporendi has always been a place of belonging for me," Doug says.
"Today, as chairperson, I feel the same sense of community in our programs. Seeing it continue to thrive and support Elders and young people is incredibly rewarding.”
Neporendi was formed by the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in 1994 to foster cultural strength and pride.
It delivers programs from language courses and fun runs to Elders groups, youth mentoring and a women's yarnin’ circle.
To meet growing community needs and better engage with young people, the centre is set to expand with a proposed move to the Wardli Youth Centre in Christie Downs.
Next door to Neporendi’s current site is the Reynella Neighbourhood Centre. It’s been a community hub since 1954, offering programs that promote connection and wellbeing, ranging from singing groups and craft clubs to indoor bowling and literacy support.
With more than 50,000 people accessing its services annually, the centre relies on more than 75 volunteers who manage day-to-day operations.
Two of these volunteers – Jem Peck and Janet Piens – have each devoted more than 20 years to the Reynella Neighbourhood Centre.
“The centre is like one big family. We see friendships blossom here every day. It’s wonderful to be part of a place where people genuinely care for each other,” says Jem.
Janet echoes this sentiment: “Over the years, I’ve witnessed the true impact of our programs. But our biggest achievement is the everyday connections we help create," she says.
“Seeing people bond over common interests and find the companionship they may lack in other areas of their lives. It's what keeps us going."
The centre also makes a practical difference in people’s lives.
In 2022, for example, it established the People’s Platter, a community pantry initiative to support those facing food insecurity arising from the growing cost of living crisis.
“The People’s Platter has been a much-needed safety net for many southern residents,” says Jem.
It is the combined efforts of staff, volunteers and the community that have ensured the Neporendi and Reynella Neighbourhood centres are places where people can connect authentically, share real-life experiences, and make a difference in people’s lives.
The centres are funded through a mix of council funding, fundraising, and state and Australian government grants.
Neporendi Aboriginal Community Centre
Open Monday 1pm - 5pm, and Tuesday to Thursday 9am-5pm
To find out what’s on, visit the Neporendi Facebook page.
To enquire about volunteering at Neporendi, call 8322 1120 or email vinestreetcentre@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au.
Reynella Neighbourhood Centre
Open Monday to Thursday 9am-4pm and Friday 9am-2pm
Find out more at Reynella Neighbourhood Centre or the centre’s Facebook page.
To enquire about volunteering call 8322 3591 or email info@reynellanc.org.au.
Volunteering at Onkaparinga
Want to find out what other volunteering opportunities at the City of Onkaparinga?
View current vacancies on the City of Onkaparinga website or submit your application online.
IMAGE: Neporendi chairperson Doug Cinch Jnr