Christine Barca

Tell us about your experience in the sector?

I am currently CEO of Quantin Binnah Community Centre (QB) and I have been in role for a

lmost 3 years – commencing in 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic. QB is Holistic Community Hub Model and provide services from birth to later years. This includes Maternal and Child Health Services

, Mother’s Support Groups, Playgroups, Childcare (Long Day Care), 3 Yr. Kindergarten, 4 Yr. Kindergarten, Before and After School care and Vacation Care. In addition, we provide a range of Community and Adult Education programs. Managing services in 8 sites we have over 150 staff who serve our Community.

I have also been the Director of the Craig Family Centre – which is also a Community Hub model although on a much smaller scale. In addition, I have worked in partnership with Community Ce

ntres for a significant part of my career providing many psycho - educational activities, health education,

 workshops, programs and community development projects through working in the Community Health Sector.

I have a Masters and Bachelor Degree of Social Work and an advanced Diploma in Business Management. I have also worked in Family Violence, LGBTI health, Sexual Assault, Aboriginal Health, Early Childhood and Early Intervention.

What makes being part of the Neighbourhood House sector so special?

I believe the Neighbourhood House sector values community above all else. To me, this means celebrating each individual in our communities, nurturing group connections, honouring our similarities and differences, responding to emergency and community needs and supporting individuals and communities to build social capital.

Neighbourhood Houses focus on being accessible and responsive to diverse community needs and work collaboratively and support connection between community groups and local organisations.

Being a part of this sector strongly aligns with my personal and professional values.

What do you hope to achieve in your time on the NHVic Board?

I believe my skills, experience and values and a passion to make a difference to community access to participation and inclusion would enable me to make a valuable contribution to the NHV Board. Additionally, I have a strong commitment to the NH sector and I would like to be able to contribute to make change from a broader perspective.

I hope to contribute to the voice of the sector and in terms of access to appropriate funding, professional and political recognition and workforce development.

What passions or interests take up your spare time?

I love entertaining, design, house renovation, music, theatre, people and dance. I love to create themed functions/events for people to feel welcome, to connect and to enjoy themselves.

I also love spending time with my family and friends and my little Pomeranian.

I also enjoy writing and poetry (for social events) and I have produced a Christmas letter for the past 25 years… much to my family’s horror…

Tell us a quote that inspires the work you do?

“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” – Coretta Scott King