Manager

Sarah is a local Gordon resident, who brings to the Ballan Manager role a passion for lifelong learning and creativity that started with a Humanities degree from La Trobe University, a degree in dramatic arts/ theatre making at the Victorian College of the Arts, followed by a Masters Degree in Regional Education and Community Development, Monash University.

She has over 25 years experience working in community services, arts and culture, local government and education sectors developing and coordinating a diverse range of community based programs including: arts education programs for adults with disabilities; lifestyle and leisure programs in aged care; public arts and artisan agriculture programs with local Council; social enterprise adult learning and development programs; working alongside Aboriginal Elders and Indigenous educators to revitalise traditional languages (Library has Legs, Communities for Children Project) and consultant for Brotherhood of St Laurence’s HIPPY Australia early years’ parenting program across remote program sites in the NT, WA & QLD.

Sarah is thrilled to be focusing her passion for community development locally, whilst developing her own garden and micro flower farm in Gordon, providing seasonal flowers for her local community.

Program and Marketing Administrator

Lesley is a local Ballan artist and resident who started working at the House two day’s a week and then went to four and now she is our Program and Marketing Administrator! She is a self taught desktop publisher who has a passion for art making, all things marketing and Canva designs. Being 'front of house' Lesley always creates a warm and welcoming environment and is happy to have a friendly chat with whoever walks through the door. 

When she is not working, you will find Lesley behind a good book, Knitting lovely winter woolies or painting one of her dot mandala masterpieces!

Steptoes Manager.

Steptoes Op Shop Manager Julie, otherwise known as "George" is a retired nurse who has been Steptoes Manager for the past 2 years, prior to that was a volunteer for 4yrs, she leads a merry band of volunteers at Steptoes Op Shop, currently based in an old home at 111 Inglis Street, Ballan.

Julie creates a hive of working spaces and activites for volunteers to sort, fix and mend and sell the donated items back to community.

The Op Shop serves an important social 'home away from home' for each volunteer, reducing isolation and connecting them to purposeful activity, friendships and community.

The Steptoes Op Shop is strongly supported by the local community, who regularly donate their goods, with profits distributed back to the local community causes each volunteer identifies.