Families and vulnerable people in Northern NSW will have access to more face-to-face support services with the opening of a new Social Futures office in the Lismore CBD. 

Social Futures, an employer of 120 staff, is focused on achieving positive change in communities and delivering programs across disability services under the National Disability Insurance Scheme, along with housing, homelessness, employment, youth and mental health supports.

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones, who was in attendance today, said the new office will bring all Lismore-based teams together for the first time after the February-March flood event forced their closure.

Uncle Roy Gordon, Widjabul Wia-bal Elder Welcomed everyone onto Country, and performed a smoking ceremony.

State MP Janelle Saffin was the MC for the event, which was also attended by local resident and NSW MLC Sue Higginson, Lismore's Mayor Steve Krieg, former Lismore Mayor Jenny Dowell OAM, along with a packed room full of staff members from Social Futures and Headspace.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet sent a video message congratulating the community for its work and encouraged the good work to continue.

The speakers all spoke of the hardwork of recovery in support roles, still yet to be done, particularly mentioning mental health and the recovery space, which they say "may take years to come", however one message was also very clear "we are with you, and this is a great step towards a healthy recovery".

Image: Social Futures Team with State MP Janelle Saffin who MCed the day: Cathy Seventy- General Manager of Housing and Homelessness, Michael Carter CFO, Tony Davies-CEO, Sam Albertini- Senior Manager of People Culture and David Thomson-COO.

“I am really pleased to see Social Futures get back on its feet again with new premises uniting vital workers under the one roof. This will help the community recover from the trauma and I know they will achieve positive social change for the region,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

“Having a physical presence in Lismore will continue to allow Social Futures to play an integral part in the recovery for those affected by the floods.

“We are all working towards ensuring vulnerable residents have access to the services they need and are sufficiently supported as they rebuild their homes and their lives.”

Image: Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones with Social Futures CEO, Tony Davies

Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said Social Futures has a long history of working in partnership with the NSW Government to best support residents in need.

“The opening of this new office, as well as the funding Social Futures has received from the NSW Government, will ensure the dozens of dedicated staff can continue to operate on-the-ground recovery services where and when they are needed most,” Ms Cooke said.

Social Futures CEO Tony Davies said the organisation did not falter in its support for the region and local residents despite their offices being severely impacted by the floods. 

“The refurbished space means our 120 staff can offer much-needed services to those who need it most. We look forward to welcoming everyone as we all work together for a brighter future ahead,” Mr Davies said. 

Social Futures has received more than $11 million in funding from the NSW Government to improve outcomes for homeless people, young people and families.

In May, Social Futures received $500,000 in additional funding to support critical service delivery during the floods

In July, the NSW Government announced $4.5 million in grants for non-government organisations (NGOs) in flood-affected communities as part of the $13.3 million NGO Flood Support Program.

"Since the floods, our community incidence of self-reported domestic and family violence has more than doubled", The Lismore Women's Health and Resource Centre, NORWACS General Manager Kelly Bannister told The Lismore App. "Crisis services are non-existent or have so few staff and places, it's a major issue in our regional area".

"While the NSW Government prior to the floods announced over $400 million for domestic and family violence", said Mrs Maclaren-Jones, and since the floods the additional funding as mentioned has been released to ensure additional support and wraparound services are offered for all vulnerable members of the community.

The grants were allocated among the seven highly impacted local government areas of Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed.

Social Futures was one of 17 NGOs to recieve funding in the first group of grants. The other 16 NGOs included:

Byron Youth Service;

CASPA Services Ltd;

Challenge Community Services;

Kyogle Together Incorporated;

Life Without Barriers;

MacKillop Out of Home Care Service Ngunya Jarjum Aboriginal Child and Family Network;

Mid Richmond Neighbourhood Centre Inc;

Mullumbimby & District Neighbourhood Centre Inc;

Murwillumbah Community Centre Inc;

New School of Arts Neighbourhood House;

Nimbin Neighbourhood & Information Centre Inc;

Northern Rivers Community Gateway Incorporated;

Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Centre;

Third Sector Australia Ltd;

United Protestant Association of NSW; and

Wesley Community Services Limited.

Social Futures is located in the Westlawn Building, 29 Molesworth Street Lismore. Further information can be found at their website.