Winmalee Neighbourhood Centre

Winmalee Neighbourhood Centre (WNC) is on Aboriginal land and acknowledges the Traditional Owners of that land, the Darug and Gundungurra peoples.

WNC is a not for profit Incorporated Association providing a wide range of programs that are responsive to the changing needs of the community, which includes Young People, Children and their families and those experiencing disadvantage. These programs range from recreational and educational, group activities to support groups, advocacy and practical support.

Our aim is, through the provision of quality services, to create a more vibrant, sustainable, resilient and self-reliant community. We believe that every person has the right to expect equal access to programs, services and compassionate support.

WNC is also providing fire recovery assistance along with existing programs

The Centre is owned by Blue Mountains City Council and we thank them for providing the space where we support the community.

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Food Security Forum-WNC Food Rescue-a shared Response

With a grant from the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s Food Donation Education grants the centre will be holding a Food Security Forum for all food relief agencies, interested community and businesses.

The forum is to connect potential or existing food donors with agencies that provide food relief with the aim of finding a solution to reducing both food insecurity and the ever increasing waste of edible food going to landfill. With the cost of living exacerbating, food insecurity is becoming more common. The centre speaks with community members who do not buy food just so they can pay their rent.

Currently there are no ‘across the board’ mechanisms for hospitality and food retailers to connect with agencies in the mountains that provide food relief to those experiencing hardship. The Centre would like to change this and are looking for like-minded organisations to get involved. Winmalee Neighbourhood Centre has experienced a 30% increase in people requiring food, especially fresh, nutritious fruit and vegetables. The Centre is now working with organisations and businesses in the Hawkesbury.

The Hawkesbury forum will be held at Hawkesbury Council City Library, Wednesday 12th February at 2pm-afternoon tea provided RSVP 10/1/2020. We invite all food donors, emergency relief agencies, food services, food collection organisations and those who have an interest in food security. There is also the opportunities for organisations to have free food handling/storage training and food donation legislation, contact the centre for more information.

Women Skilled & Ready

With a grant through The Dept. Justice, Office of Emergency Management-Community Resilience and Innovation Program (CRIP) the Centre has launched the research findings of the project.

We would like to thank Winmalee Rural Fire Brigade for delivering their Community Firewise Program along with Rainbow Preschool, Winmalee Public School and St Thomas Acquinas Primary for providing the venues to run the workshops and all of the wonderful women who participated.

The project worked collaboratively with Winmalee Public and High Schools, St Thomas Aquinas School, Rainbow Preschool, Pinaroo OOSH, local community members, and in partnership with Winmalee Rural Fire Brigade.

Winmalee Community Food Cupboard

The food program provides subsidised food items and has had a major impact on the community as it is allowing food items that are many times out of reach for people to be accessible.

Every Friday, the Centre opens its Food Cupboard from 10:30am to 12:30pm. This allows those on low incomes to access the subsidised food. Each person who joins this project will be able to purchase ten items for $10, or fifteen items for $15. This will provide real value for money, and the cost incurred is for the transportation of food products. Items will change on a weekly basis, and at present, members can access the program on a fortnightly basis. Click HERE to download a pantry list.

Eligibility is for those on Centrelink however if you find yourself in need please come and speak with our manager.

Nutritious Food Program

Free nutritious fruit/vegetables/bread and treats are available 5 days per week. Available for BM residents and supported by SecondBite.

If you would like to support this project, please contact the Centre Manager, as we are always seeking ways to support and increase the well-being of the community.

Nourish Your Neighbour

This project has come about due to the increase in the need for food. Many community people ask how they can help the centre and this was an ideal way that allows people to contribute, big or small donations, which are gratefully received.

To really make an impact in the community, awareness efforts need to be specialised and local. This was how we began with a young man-Alistair who required tasks for his Duke of Edinburgh Award. Alistair would drop pamphlets into letterboxes that told of what the centre does and the food we needed to continue to support financially stressed families.

It has proven to be very successful with Alistair's mum Gina taking over the role and we also have another Duke of Edinburgh young man, Angus, who is proving to be another centre asset. If you can help with food or want to be involved please call the centre.

Women's Business-Financial Security

With a grant from the James Kirby Foundation the Centre has been able to roll out financial workshops for women. Research has shown that women over 45 years old have required more assistance in the past 5 years than any other demographic, however the workshops are open for all women of all ages.

The Centre has recognised that this requires innovative measures to address this issue. Speaking with women who access our service we have gained an understanding of what they see as a basic first step in gaining control of their finances. Build you financial confidence, gain a greater understanding of your finances and plan for the future . The next workshops well be held on Wednesday 19th February 10 am-12 noon and April 8th 10 am-12 noon with a light lunch included. Ring to book your spot-workbooks provided.

Fusion Blue Mountains

Fusion Blue Mountains supports the Centre's food programs, and they hold some fantastic youth focused activities. They are a not-for-profit youth and community organisation which has a deep and ongoing commitment to developing resilience in individuals, families and community through local needs based initiatives. To find out more, download the flyer HERE, and registration form HERE.

Winmalee Fresh Food Program-increasing nutrition & strengthening community

With the support of SecondBite the Centre has fresh nutritious food and bread available 5 days per week. If you are on a Centrelink benefit and require food this can be accessed FREE.

This program began in 2013 and is providing food to those most vulnerable in the community. We provide this service to numerous agencies in the Blue Mountains along with the Hawesbury. Food is sent to Thrive Family Services Katoomba, The Aboriginal Cultural Resource Centre Katoomba, Springwood Neighbourhood Centre, Blackheath Neighbourhood Centre, Rainbow Preschool, Pinaroo OOSH, and Foodbank at Glendenning .

In the past 12 months the Centre collect 108 tonne of food that would otherwise go to landfill, sorted and distributed the food. This food is increasing the health of the community and ensuring quality food is not going to waste. This is a massive effort from a very small team of workers and volunteers. Unfortunately it is an unfunded project and to continue this much needed service we are keen to connect with sponsors and food donors. More services are contacting the Centre to enquire if they could access the food, regrettably we do not have the funds to increase our reach.

Thank you to the following people/services

Dept. Communities and Justice

Blue Mountains City Council

The Rotary Club Springwood

Springwood Uniting Church

Wesley Mission Community & Financial Counselling

Blue Mountains Women's Health And Resource Centre

Thrive Family Services-Katoomba/Lithgow

LaMontagna Cafe Winmalee

DoNut King Winmalee

Springwood Baptist Church

Field Of Dreams Charity - Bianca Judd

Strong Nation Mountains Church

SecondBite

Blue Mountains City Church

Knit4Charities/Bev Milner

Warrimoo Seventh-Day Adventist Church

Mountain Autos & Tyres

Nepean Men's Shed

St Vincent DePaul

Springwood Sports Club

Winmalee Neighbourhood Centre has DGR status and all donations are tax deductable. Your donations will assist with the fire recovery and support the community as they rebuild their lives.

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Welcome to Winmalee

Neighbourhood Centre