Just an hour’s drive from Sydney, in the picturesque Blue Mountains, Springwood has a diversity of cultures and history that give it a unique character. It is this diversity that inspired the community spirit to create the Neighbourhood Centre that stands today.
It is a monument to the hard work of some extraordinary people who, recognising the needs of the community around them rallied together and in 1976 formed the first Community Aid Group.
On the 20 February 1978, the Centre opened its doors to the public. After raising funds with raffles, and street stalls that generated much needed public support, the Centre was officially opened on 5 August 1978 by the Hon. Rex Jackson, Minister for Youth and Community Services.
Thirty years on, the Centre continues to expand its services to provide for the needs of the community from Valley Heights to Linden with an extensive range of affordable courses, community gatherings, lunches, internet cafe, advice, information, and current activities.
Community and Cultural Development
Provides educational, social and personal development courses, workshops activities and along with other services, organisers community celebrations such as NAIDOC week, Seniors Week, International Women’s Day etc. Supports community members with advocacy and promotes issues of social justice within the local and broader community.
Co-ordinator: Lauren Harris
Community Visitors Scheme
CVS aims to improve the quality of life for isolated nursing home residents by developing friendships with visiting volunteers.
Co-ordinator: Kate Blair
Kinship Carers
Provides support for carers who have primary care for another family member’s children.
Co-ordinator: Robin Thomas
Open Door
A weekly leisure group for men and women over 45. An opportunity to watch videos, play games, go on bus trips.
Springwood Acoustic Club
Monthly meetings for people to meet, perform, listen to and enjoy music and poetry performances in the community.
BM Talking Gazette
A free audio recording of the BM Gazette for those who are vision impaired or print handicapped residents of the Blue Mountains.
Tanderra OOSH (Out Of School Hours Care) Service
Provides before and after school care and vacation care for children 5-12 years.
Co-ordinator: Suzanne Allnutt
Volunteer Home Visitors
Provides frail aged people and adults with disabilities, who are living at home, with access to information, referrals to other services, social support and contact .
Co-ordinator: Liz Murphy
For more information or to contact any of the Neighbourhood Centre’s services or staff, please call in to 108 Macquarie Rd, Springwood 2777 – next to the library or phone 02 4751 3033
