Photo caption: Surveying plans inside the new Armidale Community Hub, which is still under construction, Homes North Community Housing Partnerships & Projects Co-ordinator Andrew Parker, left, Homes North CEO Maree McKenzie and Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall.
Tuesday, 5 April 2022
A NEW Community Support Hub in Armidale will improve access to social services, government assistance and information about public housing for those in need, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announcing a $200,000 State Government grant to continue the refurbishment of a commercial premises on Beardy Street.
This grant was provided through the NSW Clubgrants Category 3 Fund, which reinvests a contribution from the state’s registered clubs gaming machine profits back into community projects.
Mr Marshall said the Community Support Hub would provide people with a one-stop-shop for social services.
“For five years, Homes North has been working with its partner service, Armidale Neighbourhood Centre, to develop a facility which links the city’s social services providers under one roof,” Mr Marshall said.
“Navigating the myriad of government and non-government services can be daunting – especially for those with limited digital literacy.
“The Community Services Hub, being established in the former Centrelink building on Beardy Street, will assess and triage clients based on their individual needs.
“The hub is going to have everything needed to support those going through a tough time.
“It will include a kitchenette where individuals can make tea and soup, and a specifically designed area for homeless clients, with shower and laundry facilities.
“Extensive office and work space will allow local and regional service providers to co-locate in the building, so that a range of services can be accessed at the one time.
“An open section will provide access to computers for applications, support, and key government services only available online.
“This innovative model will make a huge difference to the lives of many, and I thank Homes North and the Neighbourhood Centre for persisting with their goal of making the hub a reality.”
Homes North Community Housing CEO Maree McKenzie said with services in Armidale spread widely across town it’s difficult for many clients to physically access the range of services they need.
“This funding will allow us to create a central hub for community members who need support to get the help they need – whether it be housing, financial help when things get tough or general information,” Ms McKenzie said.
“Sharing facilities and pooling administration and utility expenses will ensure more of our sector’s scarce resources can be channelled into direct client service provision.
“The refurbishment is progressing rapidly and we expect the work will be finished by June.
“A central space of this kind is exactly what is needed to support residents through the complex service system.
“When you are in crisis it’s hard to know where to start – well, the Community Services Hub will be that place.”