Emergency Relief/Crisis Support-Flood & Bush fire Assistance
THE CENTRE IS OPEN TO PROVIDE FACE TO FACE, PHONE SUPPORT & OUTREACH WITH HEALTH DEPT. COVID GUIDELINES.
When visiting the Centre we request everyone wear a mask. You will be assisted at the front door if you need food, vouchers, referral etc. We thank the community for adhering to the guidelines, it provides safety to staff which allows us to remain open.
Winmalee Neighbourhood Centre’s Support with Dignity Program has been provided additional funding from the Federal Government for bush fire affected areas and is part of the Government’s $2 billion National Bush fire Recovery Fund.
The Centre currently provides crisis support in the bush fire affected areas however this now allows a pool of dedicated funding to go directly to those in the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury and Lithgow LGA's.
The centre is working with local councils, community services, our outreach partners and Step by Step to ensure our services are available wherever you are located to receive this much needed assistance. Our experience in disaster recovery and crisis support acknowledges that a range of assistance measures are required to support people affected by bush fires. These are aimed at providing support recovery with the provision of food packs, food vouchers, clothing, fuel vouchers and support to pay bills, including utility.
A range of relief and recovery assistance is available and each individual’s need/s will be taken into account. Although at this current time we have had to alter how we deliver our crisis support we still provide a non-judgemental, and confidential service that maintains the dignity of the individuals we assist.
To find out how we can assist you please phone: (02) 4754 4050
Extra Support
Our crisis support programs have increased to help people who have been affected by the COVID-19 virus. The centre remains open to ensure access to our financial support is available. We can help families and individuals during these difficult times which can take the financial pressure off while getting back on your feet.
A number of people who have accessed our support have told us that ‘they don’t like asking for help as they feel embarrassed’. We encourage everyone who requires ‘a hand up’ to contact us as we are here to help through face to face immediate crisis support or phone. We provide a non-judgemental, and confidential service that maintains the dignity of all the individuals we assist.
The centre is open Monday to Thursday 8.30 am - 4 pm and Friday 8.30 am-1.30 pm and all staff are here to assist in whatever capacity they can. Phone 47544050 during work hours or leave a message and we will get back to you.
How we can help:
- Fresh Food Program-available 5 days per week-no cost –call in and we will pack a bag for you of fresh items of your choice:
- Food vouchers-available to be spent at Coles, with new store vouchers arriving soon:
- Utility assistance-water, electricity, gas, Telstra:
- Frozen Food Program-you can call in or we can deliver:
- Food boxes-staff pre-pack food boxes to be distributed. Packs are sorted to suit dietary needs i.e. gluten free, vegetarian, coffee box, tea box.
- Friday Community Food Cupboard-clients can purchase pantry, frozen or meat products which is heavily subsidised i.e. 10 items for $10 or 15 for $15. Items included are meat, toothpaste, shampoo, cleaning products etc.:
- Work Development Orders-providing an alternative for vulnerable people of all ages to have the opportunity to ‘pay’ off their fines through community hours, referral to other services i.e. drug and alcohol, mental health etc.
- No Interest Loans-rego, Greenslips, car repairs, laptops, white goods, vet, specialist appointments etc.:
- Chemist vouchers for prescriptions:
- Fuel vouchers:
- Phone counselling:
- Budgeting consultant:
- Home delivery for those who are house bound: and other identified assistance.
Food Education Donor Program
'This project was supported by NSW EPA as part of the Waste Less, Recycle More initiative, funded from the waste levy'.
The project, through a collaborative approach, is working with existing food relief agencies to identify new services in the region to expand and consolidate the collection of food that would otherwise end up in landfill.
There are indicators that the prevalence and impact of food insecurity in the Blue Mountains and surrounding regions has been increasing, and in response, there has been an increase in demand for charitable food services. The centre distributes, on an average week, 8,000 kilo to 1 tonne of food to services throughout the Blue Mountains and Glendenning- (Foodbank).
The Food Security Forums held have shown very positive feedback. The research on those workshops have verified the increase in the need of fresh food for vulnerable people and families.
We have had to put a hold on further training however we have attached our booklet on how to donate rescued food. Click HERE to view or download.
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.
