Support groups bring together people facing similar issues, whether that’s illness, relationship problems or major life changes. Members of support groups often share experiences and advice.
While not everyone wants or needs support beyond that offered by family and friends, you might find it helpful to turn to others outside your immediate circle. A support group can help you cope better and feel less isolated as you make connections with others facing similar challenges.
We run four regular support groups each month:
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Community Support Group
1st Thursday of every month from 10am to 11am
- MS can cause a range of physical and cognitive symptoms, affecting individuals’ mobility, vision and quality of life.
- Gain valuable insights, tips and resources from peers and professionals to better manage symptoms and navigate challenges.
YMCLC Community Support Network (YMCSN)
2nd Thursday of every month from 10am to 11am
- Members come together to collaborate and work within the terms of reference to bring services that are needed, to local the community.
YarraMul Carer Support Group
3rd Thursday of every month from 10am to 11am
- A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a family member or friend who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, cannot cope without their support.
- Come along and meet others who understand, listen to interesting guest speakers, take part in social activities and get linked to services and resources to help you to care for your loved one.
Stroke Support Group
4th Thursday of every month from 10am to 11am
- Stroke is a leading cause of disability in Australia, with over 56,000 new and recurrent strokes occurring each year.
- Access practical support, such as assistance with daily tasks, transportation and navigating healthcare systems.
Please RSVP to all meetings at least one week before – phone 03 5744 3911.
TIPS – Type 1 Diabetes Group
Provides an opportunity for members of Yarrawonga, Mulwala and surrounding towns to meet and connect with peers who share common experiences whilst living with diabetes.
This group was established to allow people living with diabetes to meet others, reduce the isolation that people may feel and be a source of support when needed. The group provides education and training (where applicable) and supports meaningful connections between those living with and affected by Type 1 diabetes in our local community. Diet, exercise and insulin education are topics that are regularly discussed. They hold walking group events, along with other community events and celebrate those that have been living with diabetes for 50+ years.
YMCLC auspices TIPS, while regular monthly meetings are held at the Rotary Club of Yarrawonga. For more information about this group please phone 03 5744 3911.
Alcoholics Anonymous is a global, peer-led mutual-aid fellowship focused on an abstinence-based recovery model from alcoholism through its spiritually inclined twelve-step program. Regular meetings are hosted at the Community Centre at the following times.
Weekly AA Meetings
Every Friday at 8pm
YarraMul Women’s
1st Sunday of every month at 3pm
For more information about these meetings please phone 03 5744 3911.
Yarrawonga Mulwala Community & Learning Centre is an official community outreach provider for the State Government’s $250 Power Saving Bonus.
We are assisting community members to receive a new round of this one-off payment to help ease energy bill stress, and to help them seek out a better energy deal.
As of 24th March 2023, another round of this payment is available to all Victorian households.
What is the $250 Power Saving Bonus?
The $250 Power Saving Bonus is a one-off $250 payment which provides direct support to Victorian households experiencing power bill stress during the coronavirus pandemic.
Who is eligible for the Power Saving Bonus?
To be eligible, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be a Victorian residential energy consumer (i.e. have a residential electricity account)
- You must be the account holder
- It is available to those that received payments under previous rounds
When can households apply?
This program is running from 24 March 2023.
How many people per household can apply?
Only one payment is available to each household.
I am a concession card holder who received the previous Power Saving Bonus before 24 March 2023. Can I apply again?
Yes you can.
How do I apply?
Applications are made online. If you do not have access to the internet, or are uncomfortable using technology, we are here to help.
Get in contact with us and we will help you every step of the way:
Phone number: 03 5744 3911
Address: 1 Hargrave Court Yarrawonga
What do I need for the application process?
When you come to us to submit your application, there are a few things you need to bring with you:
- a copy of a recent electricity bill
- your ‘NMI’ number (this is located on your bill and is typically a 10 or 11 digit number)
Be sure to keep a copy of your NMI and your application reference number as you may need this information for further communications about your application.]
How will it be paid to me?
When you submit your application online, you will be able to choose between receiving your payment via EFT (electronic transfer into your bank account) or cheque.
How long does it take to receive the Power Saving Bonus?
If you meet the eligibility and documentation requirements, you should receive your $250 payment via Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) within two to three weeks of submission. If you request payment via cheque, this should be received within four weeks.
What times are YMCLC assisting people with applications?
Monday to Friday 9am – 4pm
Do I need to call and book a time?
No
Yarrawonga Mulwala Community & Learning Centre has an internal database of agencies, services and resources available for local residents, as well as access to state-wide databases. A range of posters and other information is available in the Yarrawonga Mulwala Community & Learning Centre Reception area.
Can’t find the information you need? Get in touch with us
Research shows that:
- Stories matter
- Stories connect people
- Stories make our community stronger
We have used the latest in digital recording techniques to give the tradition of storytelling a 21st century twist.
The Oral History Group is continuing to work on the “I remember when…” collection, using the latest in digital recording techniques to give the tradition of storytelling a 21st century twist. Interviews are transcribed for storage in State Library Victoria and local museum and libraries.
If you would like to add your story to this fabulous collection or are interested in becoming involved, contact our Community Programs Coordinator on 03 5744 3911.
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If you want free help completing your tax return and you are on a low income, our trained Tax Help volunteers may be able to help you.
Tax Help operates from Mid July to 31 October each year.
Tax Help is a community-based program. Trained volunteers provide a free and confidential service to help people complete their tax returns at tax time. The program aims to provide both assistance and education for completing tax returns. These volunteers are people from within our community who receive training and support from ATO staff. Last year, 33 returns were completed. Returns are done online.
Volunteers are only able to help with fairly straightforward tax returns. They can help identify and record income received through:
Am I eligible for Tax Help?
This year the program has been extended beyond low income earners. You are now eligible for Tax Help in 2021-22 if your income is around $60, 000 or less for the income year and you did not:
work as a contractor, for example a contract cleaner or taxi or uber driver
run a business, including as a sole trader
have partnership or trust matters
sell shares or an investment property
own a rental property
have capital gains tax (CGT)
receive royalties
receive distributions from a trust, other than a managed fund
receive foreign income, other than a foreign pension or annuity
Appointments
You need to have all relevant documentation prior to making your appointment (an original or amended notice of assessment form any one of the last five years, income statements or payment summaries from all sources, Managed Fund statements, dividend statements, etc.). For a full list of required documents please contact us.
Room Hire
We have a range of rooms (small and large) which may be used for meetings or as a training facility.
Day, evening and weekend room hire available. Half and full day rates apply.
For all enquiries and quotes, please contact us.
Please note that you require your own Public Liability insurance to hire a room at Yarrawonga Mulwala Community & Learning Centre.
Computer Access
Do you need to access your emails, look something up on the internet or type up a document but don’t have access to a Computer? We can help.
Contact the office to check for availability. Cost is $2 for less than an half hour, or $5 for anything over half an hour, plus printing costs.
