Welcome to
​Hastings Neighbourhood Services​
Port Macquarie, Lake Cathie & Wauchope 

National Sorry Day 
“Hastings Neighbourhood Services wishes to acknowledge the losses and generational grief experienced by our Nation’s First Peoples as a result of colonial settlement and successive government policies.
As a committed Child Safe Organisation we are sorry for the suffering  aboriginal children experience as a result of these policies.
On National Sorry Day, we affirm our commitment to collaborate with our local Biripi community and general community to help bridge the divide in ways that promote healing, reconciliation and equality for all.”
​ The five-petal Native Cotton, Desert Rose, or Native Hibiscus as we know it, was chosen by members to symbolise the scattering of the Stolen Generations and their resilience to the eugenic policies of Australia. This was initially proposed by members of the Kimberley Stolen Generation Aboriginal Corporation, and later endorsed by the National Sorry Day Committee. It is wholeheartedly supported by the National Stolen Generations Alliance. This KSGAC Stolen Generation flower was adopted because it is found widely across Australia and it is a survivor. Its colour denotes compassion and spiritual healing. The Kimberley Stolen Generation Aboriginal Corporation has produced a large quantity of silk imitation native hibiscus flowers. They can be purchased throughout the year to mark significant events such as memorials, commemorations and funerals. The Flower is also worn in solidarity and symbolises people’s unity, strength and understanding. The flowers are most recognised for Australia’s National Sorry Day (26th May)
" The Sorry Book
The Sorry Books were an initiative of the group, Australians for Native Title (ANT), which was formed in June 1997." 

"The campaign was launched by Hazel Hawke and Bryce Courtenay on Australia Day 1998, in a ceremony at Circular Quay in Sydney, New South Wales."
If you would like to learn more about The Sorry Book,                      click below and you can download
the_sorry_book.pdf
File Size: 183 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Are you ready to become a friend of Hastings Neighbourhood Services? 
"Why" you say                                     "Why not" we say
Click here to discover the benefits for you!
Our Neighbourhood Centres are now closing their doors to appointments and personal visits due to the         COVID-19 virus. 
​This measure is in place to ensure the safety of our community and our team of volunteers & staff. 
We do apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. Fortunately we are still able to assist with our food relief program Food Connect and online services.           Please read below for details ​
FOOD CONNECT SERVICES
WAUCHOPE - Mondays 9.30 am  BREAD ONLY
PORT MACQUARIE - Tuesdays & Thursdays 9.30 am
LAURIETON, Services Club carpark - Fridays 9.30 am
* Our new COVID-19 friendly practices will provide a drive or walk by service, promoting social distancing by avoiding waiting and congregation of people. 
FOR URGENT NEED OF ASSISTANCE WITH
ELECTRICITY - call 6583 8044 for an online appointment
TENANCY MATTERS - contact 1800 777 722 (free call)
If you need information about any other services, or need support or assistance with anything at all we may be able to help: 
please call us Monday to Thursday 9.00 am till 4.00 pm on 6583 8044
OOSH and VACATION CARE IS STILL OPERATING
If you are still working and in need of care for your primary aged children call 6584 2627 for information on how to enrol. 
Embracing, Resourcing & Strengthening Communities
We have 4 locations, two in Port Macquarie, one in Wauchope and Lake  Cathie.
Offering a variety of community services which assist children, young people and families, of all backgrounds to enhance their quality of life and connection to community.
Free community programs, information, advocacy, advice and referral are offered.

​Information on services relating to health, housing, finances, emergency relief are all available in our free copy of the Community Services Directory

​Our helpful staff and volunteers are only too happy to assist with an enquiry you may have.

I AM LOOKING FOR....

please click on the picture or button below
All general enquiries please use the form below - to contact services direct click on the service button above to be directed to the page for the enquiry form. 

    General Enquiry Form 

    For all Volunteer Enquiries please click here to be redirected
Proud members of the State and National Peak Representative Organisations for Neighbourhood and Community Centres