Armidale Neighbourhood Centre will provide front-of-house support for a new social services Hub, with Homes North CEO Maree McKenzie, left, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, and Centre Manager Robbie Passmore welcoming a $70,000 State Government grant to upgrade computers and software to accommodate the role.
Friday, 1 October 2021
ARMIDALE Neighbourhood Centre is preparing to provide front-of-house support for a new social services Hub in the city, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announcing a $70,000 State Government grant to upgrade the organisation’s computers and software and capacity to accommodate the role.
The Neighbourhood Centre has been invited by project leader Homes North, to enter a partnership to provide concierge and reception, in addition to their existing programs and services, at the new Armidale Community Support Hub.
Mr Marshall said the Neighbourhood Centre would provide a warm and compassionate welcome to those trying to navigate their way through the social services system.
“In Armidale there are many services ready to provide care to the vulnerable, however for those experiencing hardship it can be hard to know just who to reach out to,” Mr Marshall said.
“Once established, the Armidale Hub will take away some of that uncertainty by providing an accessible, one-stop-shop which connects individuals to information and the organisation which best fits their needs.
“Armidale Neighbourhood Centre will provide the front-of-house triage aspect of the Armidale Hub, speaking with the clients when they first present and connecting them with the appropriate government or non-government service.
“In order to allow the Centre to do that work efficiently this grant will update computers and other technology and provide software as well as capacity to manage clients.
“The Neighbourhood Centre, managed by Robbie Passmore, already does important work supporting the region’s disadvantaged and vulnerable.
“I thank the Neighbourhood Centre for being part of the Armidale Hub concept and look forward to seeing the benefit it brings to our community.”
The Armidale Hub will deliver access to public housing pathways, community services, public access computers, material aid, No Interest Loan Scheme loans and other essential services.
The State Government’s Social Sector Transformation Fund supports organisations working in the social and health services sector, including homelessness, housing, disability, youth, health and child and family services.