CWA & Board Member

I am a country girl at heart. Born in Northern Victoria, I was dropped into Werribee in the 1970’s. The experience of the Western suburbs has never left me. I am extremely grateful that fate allowed me the opportunity to experience the immense societal and cultural changes that impacted Australia during the 1970’s..
I returned to a rural setting in 1985. Myrniong has been my home, both spiritually and physically since then. My husband and I build a mud brick home [which we continue to finish] and have raised three children in this small town.
My paid career has been within the library and information sector since 1982. I LOVE LIBRARIES!
I have spent most of my working life in secondary school libraries. I have experienced first hand the leap from analog to digital versions of the information spaces. I have also experienced the decline of the value of school libraries, which resulted in my redundancy in 2015.
Rebuilding a sense of worth, value and purpose enabled me to apply for a role with the Moorabool Shire Libraries.
My belief in the value of libraries was renewed!
Public libraries are the ‘ great levellers’ for society. The intrinsic value of a 'space for all' is more important than ever.
Despite the changes in how we deliver information, the human connection remains the same.
I thrive upon the opportunity to provide a personal connection for others. Here too, is the value of Neighbourhood Houses.
Building connections with communities, skills development and recreational opportunities are vital.
Public Libraries and Neighbourhood houses are kindred spirits.
Striving to enable communities to connect and create through knowledge and skills sharing.
I hope I can assist in keeping the spirit of ‘Community learning’ alive and valid as I represent Ballan Neighbourhood House as a board member.

I am a founding member of Ballan and District Branch of the Country Women’s Association Vic. Inc. and I  was also a member of the 'working group' which first established this Community aka Neighbourhood House.
I am proud and honoured to have the ability to share my time as a volunteer and assist in making positive impact within our communities.

Tai chi Facilitator

Patrick has been teaching Tai Chi in Ballan and Bacchus Marsh since 2016 but his personal experience began in 1993 when he did a short course in a simple Yang form.

Over the years he kept being drawn back into this gentle form of martial arts, learning more and more forms including the practise of using fans, swords and staff. Patrick believes everyone can take part in their own Tai Chi journey and he draws great pride in helping them along the way.

He teaches beginners classes in the Yang 8 form, Yang 24, Wu and Qigong movements as well as an advanced weapons class. Patrick is passionate about this traditional Chinese mind-body practice that integrates gentle physical movements, breathing, and mental focus to cultivate and balance the body's vital energy.

Book Club Facilitator

As a self proclaimed Sci-Fi and Fantasy nerd, Patrick decided to join a book group to force himself out of his chosen genre – that was back in 2009. He now runs that same book group and enjoys the lively discussion every month when they meet.

Getting together with likeminded people who enjoy nothing better than to bury themselves in a page-turner is what keeps Patrick coming back.

Character & Design Facilitator

Chinese Health Facilitator

Chief Instructor and founder Patricia Kent has more than 30 years experience and regularly runs classes in Trentham, Ballan, Kyneton and Meredith. Lilac Moon Tai Chi also has local instructors and schools in NSW and Tasmania.

Originating in China, Tai Chi is the practice of slow meditative physical exercise designed for relaxation, balance and health based on the traditions of Tai Chi and Qigong (Chi Kung).

Choir Facilitator

Calligraphy Facilitator

Julie is a journal artist and calligrapher.  She crafts her own handmade journals and fills them with art and words written in calligraphic lettering.  Her work is influenced by illuminated manuscripts, florilegia and early botanical sketchbooks.  Julie studied calligraphy for six years with professional calligrapher Stephen Wright and now loves to share this beautiful art form with others.  

Childrens Art Class Facilitator