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OWL Community Hub coordinator Filani Macassey and Coast to Coast Hauora Trust trustee Richard Te Haara
The Old Wellsford Library, (OWL) is back in community hands.
Newly-appointed OWL Community Hub coordinator Filani Macassey says she wants it to be a vibrant and safe place for the community to gather, share information and resources. She is inviting people to pop in and tell her what they need.
“This building has been hard fought for by the community so now we need to hear from the people,” Filani says.
OWL is an acronym for the former building, left empty in 2013 when the new Wellsford Library opened. After a few years of debate, the Rodney Local Board has contributed $40,000 for a coordinator, and $25,000 for refurbishment and property costs. Auckland Council has granted a three year licence, costing $1 a year, to Coast to Coast Hauora Trust.
The Wellsford community health provider is the umbrella organisation, with the hub run by an OWL foundation group from the trust, community members, local iwi and Council.
Trustee Richard Te Haara sees the hub as a health initiative.
“If you have a vibrant, happy community that works well together it impacts on families and visitors. It gives the community a sense of belonging,” Richard says.
Filani started renovating a few weeks before Christmas. She wants to make the hub a space for people from all walks of life and ages.
Falani moved to Kaiwaka last year after living in Helensville for 20 years, where she was involved in community development and arts, including helping establish the Art Centre.
She has talked to groups and people including artists, Maori weavers and Rodney College, and will release the start of a calendar of events this month.
Filani is at the OWL Hub Tuesday to Thursday, from 10am to 4pm, but it can also be booked for other days.
