Photo caption: Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, left, and LifeHouse Care Community Hub Manager and Leader Casey Ryan outside the newly re-roofed op-shop on Herbert Street in Moree.
Wednesday, 30 March 2022
A NEW roof at LifeHouse Care’s premises on Herbert Street in Moree will ensure the service can continue providing support and food to vulnerable members of the community, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announcing a $20,000 State Government grant to support the project.
Mr Marshall said the organisation’s op-shop and subsidised food pantry had been a lifeline for many Moree residents, for close to a decade.
“The Moree community is no stranger to natural disasters, and when things are tough LifeHouse Care has been there to offer assistance to those who need it most,” Mr Marshall said.
“Time, and extreme weather, took a toll on the former roof, with significant leaking jeopardising the building’s structural integrity and potentially affecting the quality of goods in the store.
“Due to the urgent nature of the project, a new roof has already been installed, with this grant easing fundraising pressures on the charity, leaving donations for those in need.
“By all accounts, the new roof has made the building much more comfortable for the charity’s 30 volunteers, who work tirelessly to ensure those less fortunate have access to essential goods.”
LifeHouse Care CEO Matthew Harris said the new, State Government-funded, roof allowed people to engage with the space and services in a safe and healthy location.
“Our service has a big heart for every member of the community, and this hub is a vital space for gathering, learning, developing, connecting and being accepted for who you are, and for where you are at in life,” Mr Harris said.
“The op-shop and pantry is a culturally-sensitive site, where indigenous and non-indigenous people can shop, serve and connect.
We provide a non-judgmental environment for those on placement from correctional services, where they can be encouraged in a more constructive and positive life direction.
“All of this stems from our community hub – and we always want it to be a safe, healthy and now dry place for people to come.”