Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Centre linking people and strengthening our community Established

Linking people ….. through…..

Provision of constantly updated information and referral to services Where do I find…..? Who do I see about…..? Where is the …….? When is the………? How do I ……………?

Offering the ‘Welcome to Pottsville’ kit – a valuable, local resource for new arrivals, and others… PBNC developed this kit in partnership with the Pottsville Community Association, Public School and the Community Preschool after hearing: “I’ve just moved to the area. What happens here?” Individuals, families, groups, service providers and businesses benefit from the kit’s information on courses, events, support groups, services and community work opportunities.

Providing a venue for community programs, groups and events

Providing a Centrelink Agency Here people can conduct their business with Centrelink and search for jobs, using the Centre’s resources and equipment, with the support of trained staff.

Sharing resources with other services to conduct outreach from the Centre Parents As Teachers – individual counselling for families with young children Brighter Futures – an early intervention service providing supports for targeted families with young children, made possible through the Consortium of Neighbourhood Centres (Far North Coast) and NSW Dept. Community Services Northern Rivers Community Legal Centre – providing free, generalist legal advice Pottsville Counselling – providing counselling for adults Ability Incorporated Advocacy Service – free support for people with a disability and their families

Delivering a variety of community- driven programs for families Toy Library – providing educational toys designed to improve thinking and fine motor skills Playgroups – opportunities for preschool children and their carers to socialise and play Kindergym – a gymnastics program for 2-5 year olds to learn dominant movement patterns, delivered by a qualified facilitator Toddler Tunes and Stories – for preschool children and their carers: providing music and movement appreciation through singing, dancing and playing instruments. And language development through reading together, story telling and drama activities Tweed Coast Home Educators’ Group – networking for children and their carers who choose to home-school Pottsville Parenting Insights Program (PPIP) – facilitated sessions exploring parenting issues and education/skills development. This program is strengths-based and focuses on positive achievements for families. The program includes individual support, small groups, courses, workshops (such as 123 Magic) and seminars. PPIP is delivered in partnership with Pottsville Preschool and Parents As Teachers. Triple P – an eight week, positive parenting program that encourages wanted behaviours and discourages unwanted ones.

And for the not-so-young… Light Aerobics and Gentle Stretching – low impact exercise designed for seniors S-t-r-e-t-c-h Your Mind – an opportunity for adults to exercise their minds through mentally challenging and enjoyable activities, and creating supportive, social connections Diabetes Support – (endorsed by Diabetes Australia) meets monthly with guest appearances by allied health professionals Wordsflow – a weekly creative writing group Booklovers – a U3A book club and social group that meets each month French for Beginners – a U3A course that occurs each week during term Introduction to Australian History – a U3A history and social group that meets twice each month Art Workshops – a U3A weekly group for people to explore their artistic abilities Tax Help – providing assistance with tax returns for low income earners during tax season (July to October) Computer Lessons – one to one tuition and small classes, with access to broadband internet connection

Providing opportunities for volunteering in diverse areas Pottsville Beach Markets Community Barbeques Opportunity Shop Maintenance and Grounds Community Garden Office Administration Technology Centre Special projects like - S-t-r-e-t-c-h Your Mind, Wordsflow and Toddler Tunes and Stories

Strengthening our community: Neighbourhood Centres make their communities STRONG By definition: in good health, robust, sound and thriving. Capable of exerting and withstanding force. Resistant to harmful or unpleasant influences. Binding. A connected community is a safe and healthy community

Neighbourhood Centres fill in gaps in people services We have the time to listen to people and assist them to find solutions to challenges they may be facing: we respond at a grass-roots level.

Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Centre is community-managed and operated by people of all ages from diverse backgrounds: it has a large membership base and exists for its community. The good feeling starts as soon as you walk in the door…