The Community Garden is full of produce and the sunflowers at the front are nodding happy, yellow faces to everyone who passes by. It was a busy end to the 2024 year at Dorset House, with a lot support offered, including hampers to provide for community members in need over the Christmas and New Year period, as well as programs and events. Some projects finished up at the end of the year, such as the Dorset Kids Connect and Dorset Remote Area Support programs run by Fiona from the Gladstone Outreach. We are glad to have temporary funding to continue food delivery to the area in the short term.

A highlight in December was a visit from the Governor of Tasmania who spent time at Dorset Community House to connect with community members who had been impacted by the severe weather events earlier in the year. Her Excellency also encouraged local organisations and staff who had supported people through the events. The Governor talked with community members, SES volunteers, Dorset House staff, and representatives from Dorset Council. Her Excellency warmly affirmed the community’s support for each other during a difficult time. Dorset House was honoured to partner with Dorset Council to host her Excellency's visit.

Dorset House staff and volunteers have started the new year full of energy and enthusiasm to serve our community once again. The fridge is full of produce from our Community Garden and the gardens of the generous community members who drop by to share what they have with others. We are once again delivering weekly supplies and support out to more remote parts of Dorset through the Gladstone Outreach. Youth and children’s programs are about to start, and the House is busy with people stopping by to contribute and coming in for food, appointments and regular weekly programs.