Armidale Neighbourhood Centre Committee says a sense of belonging is vital in this day and age. Back row, left, Guyra’s Chris Hietbrink, Armidale Regional Council CEO Peter Dennis and Administrator Ian Tiley, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Professor Elaine Barclay. Front, Susan McMichael, Liz Steele, Robbie Passmore, David Dunn, and Marian Hargreaves.
Tuesday, 2 May 2017
MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall has commended the invaluable work Neighbourhood and Community Centres do in their local area, as he officially launched this year’s Neighbourhood Centre Week in Armidale yesterday.
Mr Marshall acknowledged the tireless work Centres do across the state, and thanked the work done in Armidale by Robbie Passmore and in Guyra by Chris Hietbrink and their respective teams.
“Neighbourhood Centres are a vital meeting point for those looking for a little help in their lives – whether they need free internet, help with tax, or even financial assistance with electricity bills,” Mr Marshall said.
“Due to the nature of their work, these centres are staffed by quiet achievers. To protect their pride, clients often keep quiet about the extraordinary contribution Neighbourhood Centres have had in bettering their lives.
“This week is an excellent opportunity to thank the men and women that work hard all across the electorate. There are services all across the Tablelands, from Uralla to Glen Innes – with unique events and the same tireless community spirit.”
This year’s theme celebrates ‘Belonging’ – acknowledging how much we all owe our communities and highlighting the importance of participating and contributing to our local area.
Mr Marshall said Neighbourhood Centre Week presented a perfect opportunity for everyone across the region to consider how they could do their part.
“Communities thrive when locals go above and beyond to look after each other – and volunteering is an excellent way to achieve that.”
“If you can help for even just a couple of hours a week, I urge you to get in touch with your local neighbourhood and community centre. I’m sure you’ll find it thoroughly rewarding.”
Armidale Centre Manager Robbie Passmore says Canadian research reveals many are feeling increasingly isolated in the 21st century.
“They are hungering for greater connection: a sense of belonging’ – something which Neighbourhood Centre’s throughout the Northern Tablelands are promoting not only this week but every week,” Mrs Passmore said.
“When people experience the places where they live as places that nurture belonging and inclusion, they are more likely to be engaged in the work of strengthening neighbourhoods.”