Today marks the start of Neighbourhood Centre Week (13 – 19 May 2024) when we celebrate the role of our neighbourhood and community centres (NCCs) across Australia.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin says this year’s theme “Stronger Together” is particularly true of how neighbourhood centres in the Northern Rivers have helped communities through disaster recovery.

“I want to acknowledge the enormous role our neighbourhood and community centres have played in our recovery over the past two years,

“I want to acknowledge the centres in the Lismore electorate- Murwillumbah Community Centre, Resilient Lismore, Northern Rivers Community Gateway, Nimbin Neighbourhood and Information Centre, Kyogle Together, Tenterfield Social Development Committee and Women up North Housing.

“In 2022 floods many of these centres were themselves flooded and had to get back up and running in temporary accommodation to make sure local residents could get the urgent support they needed.

“Of course, apart from our flood recovery NCCs continue to be vibrant hubs of community activity bringing together people from all walks of life to connect, learn and play.

“These are places where people can find the help and programs they need, or volunteer their services to help others in the community. They are so important in keeping people socially connected and linked to their local community.

The NCCs in the Lismore electorate are always looking for innovative programs to meet a specific need in the community. I applaud the way they support us to be Stronger Together.