Two women stand behind a bench in a light and bright kitchen. They are chopping up vegetables in preparation for a meal.

Small group programs for life and friendship

Welcome to Community Connections in Ararat.

Learn new skills, gain confidence and make friends at Community Connections.

Our Community Connections program for children, teenagers and adults – run at our Ararat centre and out in the local community, and is designed to help you achieve your goals alongside people who share your interests.

Our fun and educational activities are run in a safe and supportive environment, so all you need to do is focus on what you want to achieve – and we’ll help you get there.

Activities are tailored around the interests of the group but could include: music making and dancing, cooking, budgeting, travel, going to the gym, the cinema, exercising, painting and creative arts, swimming, gardening, and much more.

Programs are currently available from 9 am to 3 pm, Monday to Friday, 50 weeks a year, including school holidays.

Click here to download the Ararat Community Connections brochure, or if you’re ready to take your next step to paid employment check out our Job Skills program.

A man and a woman sit behind a table and smile at the camera

Next Level Connections

Participants come together in a safe and inclusive community environment to engage in structured and semi-structured games, including interactive, tabletop, and movement-based activities.

Trained staff support positive social interactions and adapt games to meet individual needs, ensuring fun, growth, and connection.

Men’s Shed

Participants visit the Men’s Shed to connect,
share skills, build friendships, and stay active.

The group promotes wellbeing, reduces
isolation, and supports mental health through meaningful, hands-on activities.

A woman wearing a red jumper and a blue VMCH branded apron sits at a table while sorting out puzzle pieces

Pathways 2 Possibilities (P2P)

For older students, school leavers and anyone who wants to try new things and practice skills needed for the next steps in life (Ararat and Wangaratta).

Cooking

Cooking sessions help participants build independence through learning meal preparation, budgeting, kitchen safety, and planning. The program boosts confidence, encourages healthier routines, and supports daily living skills.

A male wearing a white apron feeding cans into a machine

Entrepreneur Recycling Program

Participants collect and recycle cans to raise funds for future projects. They learn teamwork, responsibility, and money-handling skills while helping the environment. They also create items to sell using a 3D printer, developing entrepreneurial thinking and independence.

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Feathers N’ Things

A farm-based volunteering program where
participants engage in daily farm tasks, interact with animals, and develop practical job skills. The experience builds confidence, teamwork,

Swimming

Swimming supports physical health, mobility, and emotional wellbeing. It improves strength, confidence, and routine while offering a calming and enjoyable form of exercise.

Woman wearing pink jumper and headband stirring liquid in silver jar

Art Program

Art sessions encourage creativity, confidence, communication, and emotional regulation. Participants develop fine motor skills, engage socially, and work toward personal goals in a relaxed environment.

Registered NDIS Provider and Certified Social Enterprise

As a registered NDIS provider, number #4050000577, we ensure that our services meet the NDIS Practice Standards and Code of Conduct, offering you peace of mind and quality supports.

We are recognised by Social Traders as a Social Enterprise, Australia’s only Social Enterprise certification.

How to find us

9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, 50 weeks a year, including school holidays.

VMCH Disability Services, Shop 5/56 High Street, Ararat, VIC