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

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.

Through this collaborative process the food relief agencies can tap into the distinct competencies, resources and connections of partners to be more productive and innovative.

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 first Food Food Security Forum was held in Springwood at the Sports Club where a number of agencies and businesses attended. Overall feedback was very positive, the highlight was that the increase in need has exacerbated which means we have to be more proactive in getting clubs, cafes, food retailers. Our next Food Forum will be held in the Hawkesbury at:

Hawkesbury Central Library on the 4th March -300 George St Windsor at 2 pm.

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.

All community are invited to the forum who want to make sure we feed people not landfill because together we can make a real difference.

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 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. 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 your financial confidence, gain a greater understanding of your finances and plan for the future . The next workshops well be held on Friday 21st February at 2 pm and Friday April 3rd 2 pm-afternoon tea provided 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