LCNSCS celebrates opening of new premises

The evening of Thursday 4th of May was a mixture of smoke, jazz, thanks and congratulations. Lane Cove & North Side Community Services (LCNSCS) officially celebrated the opening of our new premises at 1 Pottery Lane, on the ground floor of Lane Cove Community Hub.

Over three years in the planning, Lane Cove Council designed, built and fitted out a beautiful new space, giving us a large bright open plan office, three separate meeting rooms and the use of the large Parkview room with its two walls of floor to ceiling windows and views over the outdoor pool and Pottery Green.

Over 150 guests, including councillors, local members, donors, supporters and volunteers gathered for an evening of celebration. The evening began with Uncle Wes holding a spectacular smoking ceremony in the entrance to the Community Hub. This was followed by Uncle Greg delivering a very moving Welcome to Country, paying respect to the original owners of the land and celebrating the inclusive community we all now enjoy.

There were speeches by Ian Longbottom, Vice President of LCNSCS; Anthony Roberts MP State Member for Lane Cove; Trent Zimmerman MP Federal Member for North Sydney; and Deborah Hutchens, Mayor of Lane Cove Council, who formally declared the centre open. Anthony, Trent and Deborah were also presented with certificates recognising their longstanding support for the organisation. In return, Anthony presented LCNSCS with the Premiers Award containing the citation “In recognition and appreciation of your services towards the welfare needs of the Lane Cove community.”

Other long standing supporters were also recognised including Lane Cove Rotary, Lane Cove Golf Club, URM (United Resource Management) and FOCAS (Friends of Community Aid Services).

The opening coincided with Volunteer week and LCNSCS and all our guests took the opportunity to recognise and thank the volunteers who give their time to help others.

Over 220 people in Lane Cove regularly help and support others in the community with a range of activities.

This includes Meals on Wheels deliveries; taking people to hospital appointments; and helping out on the Shopping Bus so that people can do their shopping at Woolworths, then providing assistance with carrying their bags into their home.

For those unable to leave their homes, a volunteer helps them to do their shopping online from Coles. Other volunteers visit residents in Aged Care Facilities who may not ever have a regular visitor to chat with. The gardening volunteers regularly transform jungles to peaceful havens, and we mustn’t forget the wonderful linen volunteers who change beds and towels and make sure Lane Cove residents have the pleasure that comes with clean sheets. Last month the linen volunteers were recognised by Lane Cove Council with a Lane Cove Citizenship Award.

The Parkview room and the other three meeting rooms means that LCNSCS can offer new opportunities and activities for the community.

In addition to the Book club, Film Club, Bridge and chess we have installed a Shuffleboard – an exciting new game for all. We are hoping to add more activities to make the most use of the excellent facilities and we welcome any suggestions. We will also be encouraging other Lane Cove community organisations to use our space. We are already a reception point for donations to Delvena Women’s Refuge and hope to continue to build on that

partnership. By Gill Batt, General Manager, LCNSCS.

Uncle Greg, Gill Batt and Uncle Wes.

Trent Zimmerman MP presented at the official opening of LCNSCS's new premises.

Peter and Trish Fay with Mayor and Councillor Deborah Hutchens.

LCNSCS celebrates opening of new premises

Statement made by Trent Zimmerman MP in the Parliament of Australia, 22nd May 2017

Mr Speaker

One of the inspiring parts of our jobs as Members of Parliament is the opportunity to work with individuals and organisations in our electorates who are helping others in need – be it the thousands of people who volunteer their time or the dedicated professionals working in the community sector.

For many years I served on the board of the Crows Nest Community Centre, and I saw their incredible work firsthand.

I also know my part of Sydney has been something of a trailblazer in the development of great community initiatives.

For example, the early development of the Mens Shed movement occurred in Lane Cove.

More recently the Waverton Hub has provided a new model for engaging communities in a way that is attracting interest across the country.

And back in 1961, what is now called Lane Cove & North Side Community Services was a pioneer in the development of volunteerbased organisations serving the welfare of local communities.

Today Lane Cove & North Side Community Services provide vital support for those living on the lower north shore – particularly the elderly and those with a disability.

Recently I had the opportunity to participate in the opening of the Service’s new premises in Lane Cove. I was delighted that we were able to secure a federal grant to assist in their move.

The new premises will allow the Service to better meet the needs of the local community and I congratulate all those involved in bringing these new facilities to fruition.

More importantly, I want to record in this Parliament the gratitude of so many in our community for the dedication of its staff and volunteers – led by the Chair of the Board, John Devine and its General Manager, Gillian Batt.

Our community is stronger for all they do.