Hope and help are two simple words which could provide a lifeline for people who are struggling or living on the edges
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For more than 40 years Forster Neighbourhood Centre has been delivering practical and easy pathways out of many situations.
According to recently appointed business manager, Karen Burton, the Neighbourhood Centre provides social inclusion, builds and strengthens communities, personal, child and family support and counselling.
But, it is the NILS (no interest loans scheme) program which has seen a rapid growth in the past 12 COVID affected months.
Jointly funded by the State government, Good Shepherd Microfinance and the National Australia Bank, Karen explained the program was designed to help people on low incomes borrow up to $1500 without the burden of paying any fees or interest rates.
"They don't pay any interest and there's no fees."
People may need to pay for an emergency vet bill, dental work, back-to-school or car repairs or purchase a washing machine or fridge, and not have any funds, she said.
"This is a huge part of what we are doing now."
Successfully sourcing and delivering emergency accommodation also played a big part in the centre.
"People are struggling to find accommodation; victims of domestic violence or people struggling with mental health issues come in here for emergency accommodation.
"Working closely with service providers across the Great Lakes (Salvos, Homebase, women's shelter, council and Life Line), we provide hope and help."
I love doing community work and connecting with the community (especially) when we can help somebody when they are struggling, and making a difference in someone else's life.
- Forster Neighbourhood Centre business manager, Karen Burton
Karen said people often arrived at their Tuncurry-based office front door crying, desperate for assistance.
"We give them food and a talk, we give them hope and put them in touch with people who can help."
Karen has had a long career in community services, working for many years with the former Great Lakes Council aged care services.
"I love doing community work and connecting with the community (especially) when we can help somebody when they are struggling, and making a difference in someone else's life," she said.
"They are desperate.
"The Neighbourhood Centre is often the first place people go to."
Like so many before her, Karen and her family moved to Forster Tuncurry from Campbelltown nearly four decades ago for a better lifestyle, a decision which has never been questioned.
She paid tribute to the six permanent staff-members and the dedicated group of volunteers who had worked tirelessly, particularly during the past two years.
"They do such amazing work."
To learn more about the remarkable volume of work undertaken by the Neighborhood Centre, phone 6555 4351 or email volunteers@fnc.org.au
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Jeanene Duncan
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
