The end of the train line is another world.Much like a country town there seemed to be long stretches that probably were inhabited but it didn't look like it!
Visited the library. Large open space on the top of a steep hill (access?) with lots of open areas for sitting and reading/researching. The childrens area was well used with parents reading with small children. There were computers to use and also free wi-fi so a few people had laptops.
In comparison to my local libraries it was pretty small, but I think that reflects the population of that area.
There was a multi purpose room that had kitchen facilities and a foldback wall which could close off the area or open it to the rest of the library.
The librarian I spoke to said that they often run ad hoc sessions rather than regular groups. There was some advertising about a french cooking lesson that was coming up! When I asked further questions she referred me to the website.
I walked down the street to see what else was around and what the community was like. It felt like every second shop had something to do with second hand clothes/books, natural/organic produce and even wiccan/pagan artefacts. The smell of incense was very prominent.
I visited a local tourist attraction as I had seen a poster in the library calling for volunteers to help support it. Puffing Billy is a steam train that follows on from the metro train line up into the hills. It's definitely not a public transport option, but a rather nice way to experience the bushland that seems so prominent in the area.
Speaking to a local Landcare worker, Sarah who I bumped into, she mentioned that Landcare was involving the community and local schools to rehabilitate the vegetation in that area. She mentioned Mater Christi's VCAL classes were involved which highlights how the community connects with its surrounds and the local education providers.
Interesting to note that there are two school in Belgrave and both are independent religious schools, the high school being an all girls' school. I would assume then that parents wishing to send their children to public schools (or high school age boys to any school) must leave the area to do so.
The lack of education providers in direct township suggests that probably the boundaries between schools are quite fluid. I noticed when gathering demographic data from ABS and the Yarra Ranges council sites that there is a discrepency in population data, which suggests that ABS covers a larger region than just the township of Belgrave. I wonder how to find out those boundaries?
I saw one gentleman who was quite an amazing sight. Obviously I didn't want to take a photo of him as that would be rude but I imagined that a man like that must be a local feature... I will continue looking up Belgrave township, I'm sure he will turn up.
Visiting the Youth Services I was a bit surprised that the door was locked with a secutiry code lock. This suggests that the services certainly isn't a drop in service! I as surprsied by this. It seems counter-intuitive to make a local service inaccesible to the locals.
The Community Health Service also said that it was unattended but the door opened and a lady did come out and speak to me about the services available. I didn't wirte down eerything she said but after 20 minutes it was pretty clear that they did an enormous amount for the community with very little support! Their main focus was allied health, particularly for the elderly, disabled and those in poverty.
The metro station looks like a tiny line compared to my local Box Hill station! Two outdoor platforms. It rather reminds me of East Camberwell which often gets skipped on my train line to the city...
