Our People

The Dubbo Neighbourhood Centre Inc is a community based Not for Profit Organisation working in co-operation with the Dubbo City Council, along with State and Federal Government agencies to care for the disadvantaged in the City of Dubbo Local Government area and providing support for the surrounding shires of Wellington, Narromine and Gilgandra where appropriate to do so.

Since it’s inception in 1974, the Dubbo Neighbourhood Centre Inc (DNC) has been managed by a community Management Committee, and the work and dedication of community representatives and staff over the years has developed the centre into what it is today.

At the present time, The Dubbo Neighbourhood Centre Inc employs a total of 8 full time employees, 16 part-time employees, up to 25 casuals and utilizes the services of 95 volunteers.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES OF THE DUBBO NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE (DNC)



The DNC’s objectives are to prevent behaviour that is harmful or abusive to humanity, and to provide direct relief of distress, isolation, misfortune and helplessness by, without limitation:

  1. providing counselling, and other assistance to people in crisis, homeless people or others in crisis, and/or, at risk of harm and abuse
  2. assisting isolated and helpless aged persons
  3. providing transport to those unable to use other forms of transport due to poverty, disability or helplessness
  4. providing care and support for the vulnerable, the aged, families, young people and children

HOW ARE THESE OBJECTIVES BEING MET?



The community services that are currently being provided by the DNC:


In partnership with our funding bodies:


HISTORY OF THE DUBBO NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

In 1969 a survey of Dubbo welfare needs was carried out by students of the University of NSW.  This survey resulted in two major findings:

a.   The need for a Community Worker
b.   The need for the establishment of a Citizens Advice Bureau (currently known today as the Dubbo Neighbourhood Centre).

The Community Information Centre (now known as the Dubbo Neighbourhood Centre) commenced in March 1974.  This was following the appointment of the first Community Worker in Dubbo in 1972.

The Centre was first established in two rooms at the Anglican Church in Church Street assisted by the community, as no funds were available.  The community rallied to the requests for furnishing and renovation assistance.  A recruiting campaign for volunteers was undertaken.  This was followed by two training courses, with some 70 volunteers involved.

Volunteers assisted with enquiries and in 1974 there were 30 enquiries per month.  Now, over 36 years later, the Centre averages 2,000 per month (not inclusive of mobile contact, electronic communications and contacts made in the field by all staff).  The total number of enquiries in 2008-2009 was approximately 24,092.

The original concept of the Centre as a community information service has been extended to provide services to the community as well.  These services are listed in this article and in the organisation’s annual reports each year.

The Centre plays an important role in the community of Dubbo and outlying regions, offering a free information and referral service.  The Centre is currently funded by 13 sources, down from 2004 when there were 30 services being provided by close to 20 funding sources.  Our inability to secure funding for Management infrastructure resulted in a reduction in number and scope of services being provided early in 2005.

Services auspiced by the Dubbo Neighbourhood Centre Inc. Management Committee receive funding through various sources, including Local, State and Federal Government Departments, fees and philanthropic groups.

During the early 1980’s, gatherings were commenced to afford newcomers to town an opportunity to meet in an informal atmosphere.  These continued on a regular basis for some time, although are not currently happening, partly as a result of more restrictive privacy regulations.  A Newcomers’ Kit was also available from the Centre.

By the mid 80’s it became apparent that additional work space was needed.  The Community Information Centre approached Dubbo City Council in the hope that extensions could be made, or an alternative site located.  However, after consultation with the Department of Lands by the Dubbo City Council, permission for extensions was refused.  Delegations were held with the Minister for Land in an attempt to reverse this decision, but to no avail.

In preparing Council’s priority list for 1986 Capital Works Program, $170,000 was allocated for the provision of a new building.  However, no suitable sites in the CBD were available within the budget.  In view of the ever-changing face of welfare services and community needs, Council opted to rent a building in the CBD. Several sites were considered, with “Woonah Court”, 46 Wingewarra Street, being selected.  All services housed within the Centre, with the exception of the Family Day Care, moved into the new building on 6 January 1987.

In late 1986, the Community Information Centre changed its title from “Community Information Centre” to “Community Services & Information Centre”.  The change of name was felt to be more appropriate due to the “Services” accommodated at the Centre.  These services included Council’s three staff (Community Worker, Children Services Development Officer and the Youth Services Development Office), and community services such as Home Care Service, Community Transport Scheme, Emergency Accommodation Scheme, Community Tenancy Scheme, Community Aged Program, Detached Youth Worker, Legal Aid, Budgeting and Finance Advisor and After School Care.

Over the years there has been a team of very capable and enthusiastic volunteers who have played an important role in the provision of services at the Centre.  Currently our volunteers provide the equivalent of 1.2 full time workers per week in the Neighbourhood Centre.

In 1986 the Centre employed a full time Coordinator and part time Secretary for the services located at the Centre, with the centre staff providing secretarial back-up for the Council’s Community Worker.  In February 1988 a part time bookkeeper was employed to do the bookkeeping for the increasing number of services at the Centre.  This position became full time in 1990.

By 1994, there was a full time Coordinator, bookkeeper and receptionist and part time typist and bookkeeper.  During 1997, it became necessary to outsource the bookkeeping function, and bookkeeping positions became temporarily redundant.

Being able to provide a wide range of services based from a central location assisted with economic use of resources and time, and easy access for the community and individuals requiring services.

In May 1992, Miss Colleen Montgomery, who had been the Community Worker for 20 years, retired.  Miss Montgomery was instrumental in submissions for funding and the setting up of many community services in Dubbo that were under community management committees.

Dubbo City Council restructured the Community Worker position to Community Services Coordinator in 1993.  The position then became Manager Social Services, and included a managerial role within the Centre.  By 1997, the Manager Social Services returned full-time to Dubbo City Council, and the Management Committee employed a Manager of the Dubbo Neighbourhood Centre Inc.

Another development in late 1993 was the employment of a receptionist for the front office.  This commenced as a position through the CES and it was seen important to continue this position to offer continuity to clients and services.  The front office position is now funded by the Department of Community Services and Dubbo City Council grants through the Neighbourhood Centre Project.  Volunteers still provide a valuable service to the Centre, although increasingly complex demands present some challenges for our volunteers.

1998 was a challenging year for the organisation.  Formal reviews were undertaken of the Community Activities Program, the Adolescent Family Counselling Service and the Outreach Youth Counselling program.  The issues leading to and arising from the reviews led to a significant change in the Management Committee membership during this year.  As is often the case, the ripples were felt for some considerable time afterwards in the community services sector.

The Centre has continued to provide a wide variety of information to the community.  Information lists include Service Clubs, Youth Groups, Cultural Groups, Playgroups, Cultural & Hobby Groups, Health & Welfare, Schools & Education, Sporting Groups, Childcare and Preschools, Charitable organisations, Churches and Recreation facilities.  The information contained in these lists continues to be in great demand by the community and up until 2008 was published each year as the Community Directory.  

In October 2009, The Dubbo Neighbourhood Centre Inc was very proud to have been awarded the Dubbo Chamber of Commerce Silver Rhino Award in the category “Community Service – Over 10 Employees”.  After three years of being nominated the award was a reflection of the tireless efforts and dedication of the entire team of Management, staff and volunteers and a major highlight of our year.