With the prospect of not being able to afford to hire its previous location, it found a home at The Centre Benalla’s new campus, and continues to grow and entice new attendees.
And in the true spirit of linking-up, Waminda House and The Centre have an arrangement to share resources.
“We aren't funded for the program any more, but we’re fine, as we've got a lovely partnership with Sue (Geals, chief executive) at the Centre,” Waminda House manager Leeane Bullard said.
“We're using her space, and she's using our space at Waminda, for a course.”
Ms Bullard said the arrangement had been a blessing.
“Sometimes we sit inside or outside for coffee, and then we still do art from 11.30am,” she said.
“It’s wonderful that a lot of original people are still coming, they’ve been a wonderful support network for each other.
“It’s lovely for Eleanor (Currie, programs, marketing and administration officer at Waminda) and myself from the community house, to have all these connections.”
Ms Bullard said students from the Flexible Learning Centre still came along with their coffee van each week.
“That connection is wonderful,” she said.
“We’ve been working together with them for three years now.”
Ms Bullard said the benefits of being able to continue the link-up group were numerous.
“There's social inclusion, social interaction, mental health, wellbeing. This is what this creates, as well as an opportunity to learn art and other things.
“It’s a really positive vibe. That's what we like to promote. It's people being really supportive and positive.”
Ruth Terry has been coming to Link-Up since it began.
“I was invited along, and I enjoyed the company, the art, and just being with people. It’s a great thing,” she said.
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