THE Portland Neighbourhood House location in the CBD is up and running – with plans to extend the range of services.

Now run by Kyeema Support Services, after the closure of WorkSkills, the office at Shop 7, Pioneer Plaza (on Percy St opposite the post office) complements the longstanding Portland Neighbourhood House at 40 Waratah Cres.

The CBD office opened this month and one of its first services is to help people to sign up for the state government’s $250 power bonus.

Angela Ryks will be in the office each Monday from 10am to noon, volunteering to help anyone who needs assistance to submit an application.

The bonus is open to anyone with a residential electricity account, with one payment allowed for each household. Applicants need to bring in identification as well.

Anyone wanting to see Ms Ryks for assistance can fill in their details in an appointment book in the office.

Neighbourhood House co-ordinator Cat Bailey said it was great to be able to offer the service.

“I am really grateful that Angela has offered her time to give the community support,” she said.

“Angela has a lot of experience in the field of community services and accounting.”

Ms Ryks is also a well-known local potter and said she would hold pottery classes from August.

These would be on Fridays at Pioneer Plaza from 10am to noon.

“They will be for beginners aged 18-plus,” she said.

“All the materials will be provided.”

For more information, including cost, contact Ms Ryks on 0419 100 680.

Ms Bailey said the Pioneer Plaza office was also doing an environmental art project focused on native birds, running 10am to noon on Tuesdays.

“People can come in and draw a local bird or do it at home and bring it in,” she said.

Other programs were also in the pipeline.

The office was open 10am to 4pm Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

“We’ll be providing the community with advocacy and information about other local groups,” Ms Bailey said.

For more information email catherineb@kyeema.com.au.