WHO WE ARE
we work in the present to transform the future
Reynella Neighbourhood Centre (RNC) is a non-profit organisation run by a volunteer Board of Management and supported by over 80 volunteers. The Centre responds to community needs through supporting the provision of services, program and activities in a caring, support and inclusive environment.
RNC encourages self-development and personal growth through involvement. Most importantly, the Centre values the contribution of everyone's knowledge, skills and abilities.
Board Members
The Board of Management is elected every 12 months at its AGM by its members. Our current Board Members are
Our current Board Members are
Heather Merritt - Chairperson Jem Peck - Vice-Chairperson Travis Morgan - Treasurer Elizabeth Hansford - Secretary Irene Wyer - Member Martin Smith - Member Jan Martin - Member Pam Lehman - Member Maureen McNamara - Member
YOUR REGION
Old Reynella, Metropolitan Suburb of Adelaide
Old Reynella is bounded by the Reynella By-Pass Road (Main South Road) in the north and west. Panatalinga Road in the east and Pimpala Road in the South. Old Reynella is named afer John Reynell, an early landholder in the area.
The township of Old Reynella was established in 1854. It was home to Hardy's Reynella Winery and was reputed to be the birthplace of the SA wine industry. There are still vineyards in use today.
Our Story
The Hall
The Hall was officially opened on 18th December, 1954 by the Premier – Tom Playford. Mrs Carew Reynell turned the key in the front door at the Official Opening.
The Hall remained a vibrant part of the local community, holding balls and special events regularly. In 1982 another trustee dies – Mr. Angus Woolcock. There were now, only 2 trustees left and it was becoming more evident that legal liabilities needed to be met.
Pauline Gray (City of Noarlunga) attended committee meetings and supported the committee in making the difficult decision to have the Council manage the facility.
In 1984, the City of Noarlunga became the trustee of the land and the buildings and an Incorporated Management Committee was formed in 1985.
“The Neighbourhood Centre administration operated from the cottage” (now known as The Vine Street Centre) and the hall quickly became used every night of the week.
The Neighbourhood Centre
The Reynella Memorial Hall Neighbourhood Centre was opened in March 1991. The newly formed Management Committee applied to the State Government for a part-time coordinator. This was successful ($6250) and Pamela O’Leary was employed for 20 hours per week.
Maxine Haigh became the first official Chairperson of the Neighbourhood Centre in October 1990 and remained an active volunteer until 2018!
“The Centre’s first newsletter was produced in April 1991 and the Committee drafted a new Constitution. At this time, Robert Woolcock and Maxine Haigh were key workers on the Committee.”
The Centre has continued to thrive and grow by running short courses, offering an array of services and up-skilling hundreds of local people.
The Foundation Stone
Around 1950, Mrs. Carew Reynell donated the corner of land where RNC and The Vine Street Centre are currently situated to the Hall Committee for the building of a larger hall for the local community.
Excerpts are taken from “The History of the Reynella Memorial Hall” by Margarette Powell and the Staff of the Reynella Neighbourhood Centre Inc, 2003 (approx.)
After many fundraising events, the Hall Committee “felt brave enough to proceed with the new building after first clearing the block – this was done by local men.”
“The Foundation Stone was laid in August of 1953” by Mr. J. G. Woolcock.
“The hall incorporated a projection box for the showing of films (the cement for this room was wheel-barrowed up three levels of planks during the building process). There was an island stage near the supper room (now called the bar room) and a picture screen.”
How We Impact the Community (year to date)
Volunteer Hours
Activities
Volunteers
Number of Attendances