Hastings Neighbourhood Services
ILC 5 Hubs Program
Information, Linkages & Capacity Building
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Louise Wells
Georgia Smedley Sam Page Mick Prosser Dylan Alexander |
ILC - Coordinator
ILC - Support Worker ILC - Support Worker ILC - Support Worker ILC - Support Worker |
0457 050 252
0456 751 290 0447 462 529 0418 816 875 0461 450 448 |
We celebrate diversity and welcome individuals of all abilities. We recognise the First Nations Peoples of Australia, paying homage to the cultural traditions of Elders past, present, and emerging, and we honor the Birpai people upon whose land we gather.
What We Do
Hastings Neighbourhood Services Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) Social and Community Participation program will support people with disability, their families and carers within the local community to participate in peer mentoring support groups, social participation activities and inclusive information/skills building workshops, underpinned by individual capacity building activities.
Our Aim
The ILC program aims to provide it's participants with:
The ILC program aims to provide it's participants with:
- Greater opportunities to participate and contribute to the community
- Increased accessibility to the community
- Increased inclusion within the community
- Increased skills and knowledge through capacity building workshops
- Easier access to, and knowledge of services within the community
Meet The ILC Team
Louise Wells
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Meet Louise our ILC Coordinator
Louise is a proud Yuin woman. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Diploma in Community and a Graduate Diploma in Relationship Counselling. She has worked in Family Preservation for 12 years, Nursing for 4 years and High School teaching prior to that. Louise is a kind and compassionate listener who loves to support people in need to achieve their goals. Louise is a lifelong learner who remains open to new information and finding new ways to address difficult hurdles in life. |
Georgia Smedley
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Meet Georgia our Support Worker
Georgia is an accredited social worker who has recently just finished her university degree. Georgia was born and raised in Port Macquarie. Georgia is a strong advocate for human rights and is passionate about empowering people whether that is through providing information, linking them into services or creating connections. Georgia wants to support people to achieve their goals and create a safe space to do so. |
Sam Page
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Meet Sam our Support Worker
Sam has over 15 years of experience in community services, with a strong background in child protection and a trauma-informed approach to practice. She is passionate about supporting people in the community to overcome barriers, enabling them to feel included, build their capacity, and achieve their goals. Sam is dedicated to empowering individuals through person-centred support and values the importance of fostering independence, resilience, and community connections. Sam has lived in Port Macquarie for over 30 years and is the proud parent of two adult children. In her spare time, she enjoys walking her dog Lilly, going to the movies, and travelling. This combination of professional expertise and genuine commitment to helping others makes Sam a trusted and compassionate support worker. |
Mick Prosser
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Meet Mick our Support Worker
Helping people realise their potential has been the driving force behind my entire career. With a Master of Leadership in Human Services and over three decades of experience in customer-focused roles, I have built a diverse career supporting individuals through education, employment, disability services, and personal development. My experience includes 15 years as a TAFE Trainer and Assessor, four years as an NDIS Plan Manager, and two years as a Youth Adviser assisting young people to transition successfully into employment and training. I am passionate about building positive relationships, advocating for those who need support, and creating opportunities for people to grow in confidence and achieve their goals. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing someone succeed and reach their full potential. Originally from Lismore, I have called Port Macquarie home for more than 25 years. My wife and I love the Port Macquarie lifestyle. We are proud parents of three grown children and find great joy in watching each of them pursue their passions and create their own paths in life. |
Dylan Alexander
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Meet Dylan our Support Worker
Dylan is due to finish his Diploma of Community service this year (2026). With 5 years’ experience in disability support, I have a passion for supporting people to build their capacity and independence. I have lived in the Kempsey area for most of my life and enjoy going to the beach, playing soccer and swimming. |
Servicing the Communities of:
Our Brochure with QR Code
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Taking time to
empower you 
Information The ILC team will endeavour to provide participants with the information required to access services and become active members of the community. Linkages The ILC team are committed to linking participants with the right services to address needs, barriers and all aspects of wellbeing. Capacity Building The ILC team will strive to empower participants with the tools and knowledge they need to drive their own development and become active members of the community. |
How we can
support you 
Listen and Validate
Our ILC team will listen to your story and validate your experiences, needs and goals. 
Develop Individual Plans We will work one on one with participants to identify individual goals along with any barriers they may face. 
Provide Information
The ILC team are dedicated to fostering participant growth and development through a range of tailored information. 
Link in with Services
The ILC Team believe it is essential to link participants with local services to enhance individual capacity and contribute to community. |
New Programs - Term 3- 2026
Spaces will be limited so please register by following the attached link of the course you are interested in or by contacting an ILC team member.
Fully Funded Programs So Don't Miss Out!
Fully Funded Programs So Don't Miss Out!
ILC's Term 3 Social and Capacity Building
Group Programs commence on 3rd August 2026
These include a variety of arts, wellbeing, life skills and nature programs that support participation in community, networking with peers and developing new social and creative skills, in an informal, non-confronting and welcoming environment.
Come and join us for one of our ILC programs at Port Macquarie, Wauchope or Lake Cathie Neighbourhood Centres, using the link below to register:
Group Programs commence on 3rd August 2026
These include a variety of arts, wellbeing, life skills and nature programs that support participation in community, networking with peers and developing new social and creative skills, in an informal, non-confronting and welcoming environment.
Come and join us for one of our ILC programs at Port Macquarie, Wauchope or Lake Cathie Neighbourhood Centres, using the link below to register:
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Check the Timetable for Locations and Times
1. Grow Catch & Cook
Everyone is welcome at our Grow, Catch & Cook nature-based social program focusing on building knowledge and skills in and around the outdoors. Grow Catch & Cook supports capacity building through gardening, fishing and cooking related activities and experiences. Come and be part of our social crew where together we will:
GROW - learn gardening techniques for composting to growing your own fresh produce.
CATCH - learn fishing techniques and come and enjoy throwing in a line at our beautiful Lake Cathie followed by a BBQ lunch.
COOK - Learn to cook nutritious meals from the produce of our Lake Cathie Community Garden.
You will also have the chance to meet and be part of the passionate and friendly gardening community with lots of fun group activities along the way.
This is an all-abilities program for anyone who may be experiencing their own challenges, or supporting someone living with mental health struggles, disability, social barriers or who just want some extra "me time" for self-care, networking and to build their social and emotional capacity.
Registration Required:
To register contact Louise on 0457 050 252 or complete the Registration Form below.
GROW - learn gardening techniques for composting to growing your own fresh produce.
CATCH - learn fishing techniques and come and enjoy throwing in a line at our beautiful Lake Cathie followed by a BBQ lunch.
COOK - Learn to cook nutritious meals from the produce of our Lake Cathie Community Garden.
You will also have the chance to meet and be part of the passionate and friendly gardening community with lots of fun group activities along the way.
This is an all-abilities program for anyone who may be experiencing their own challenges, or supporting someone living with mental health struggles, disability, social barriers or who just want some extra "me time" for self-care, networking and to build their social and emotional capacity.
Registration Required:
To register contact Louise on 0457 050 252 or complete the Registration Form below.
2. Raising Warriors
Single Mums Support Program
Raising Warriors is a women's wellness program that welcomes mums. It is a safe environment for women to explore things such as mindfulness, creativity, breathwork, meditation, self-reflection, self-care, habit stacking, nutrition and movement.
This is an all-abilities program for women who may be experiencing their own challenges, or supporting someone living with mental health struggles, disability, social barriers or who just want some extra "me time" for self-care, networking and to build their social and emotional capacity.
Registration Required:
To register contact Louise on 0457 050 252 or complete the Registration Form below.
Raising Warriors is a women's wellness program that welcomes mums. It is a safe environment for women to explore things such as mindfulness, creativity, breathwork, meditation, self-reflection, self-care, habit stacking, nutrition and movement.
This is an all-abilities program for women who may be experiencing their own challenges, or supporting someone living with mental health struggles, disability, social barriers or who just want some extra "me time" for self-care, networking and to build their social and emotional capacity.
Registration Required:
To register contact Louise on 0457 050 252 or complete the Registration Form below.
3. Empower Her
Empower Her is an arts-based wellbeing and therapy program for women.
This is an all-abilities program that is open for anyone who may be experiencing mental health struggles, living with disability, supporting someone living with disability, experiencing social or physical barriers or anyone seeking extra "me time" to work on their physical and social wellbeing.
Registration Required:
To register contact Louise on 0457 050 252 or complete the Registration Form below.
This is an all-abilities program that is open for anyone who may be experiencing mental health struggles, living with disability, supporting someone living with disability, experiencing social or physical barriers or anyone seeking extra "me time" to work on their physical and social wellbeing.
Registration Required:
To register contact Louise on 0457 050 252 or complete the Registration Form below.
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4. Strength in Motion
Description: Strength in Motion is an all-abilities Yoga and Pilates program for women looking for some timeout to reflect, socialise, learn how to take better care of themselves and enjoy some relaxing-nourishing activities. There will also be space held each week after the class for participants to socialise and share some nutritious snacks. All you need to bring is yourself, a drink bottle and a willingness to learn - we will provide the rest. This is an all-abilities program that is open for anyone who may be experiencing mental health struggles, living with disability, supporting someone living with disability, experiencing social or physical barriers or anyone seeking to build upon their physical and social capacities. |
Registration Required: To register contact Louise on 0457 050 252 or complete the Registration Form below. |
5. Chill & Chat
Men's Social Group
Chill & Chat is designed to be a safe space for men to come together, play some games, socialise and enjoy some food and drinks. Each week the group will discuss aspects of social wellbeing whilst enjoying fun games and activities such as darts, sticky golf, ping pong and more.
This is an all-abilities program that is open for anyone who may be experiencing mental health struggles, living with disability, supporting someone living with disability, experiencing social or physical barriers or anyone seeking extra "me time" to work on their physical and social wellbeing.
Registration Required:
To register contact Louise on 0457 050 252 or complete the Registration Form below.
Chill & Chat is designed to be a safe space for men to come together, play some games, socialise and enjoy some food and drinks. Each week the group will discuss aspects of social wellbeing whilst enjoying fun games and activities such as darts, sticky golf, ping pong and more.
This is an all-abilities program that is open for anyone who may be experiencing mental health struggles, living with disability, supporting someone living with disability, experiencing social or physical barriers or anyone seeking extra "me time" to work on their physical and social wellbeing.
Registration Required:
To register contact Louise on 0457 050 252 or complete the Registration Form below.
Good News Stories
The ILC team continues to collect feedback from all of our program participants, information sessions, community events and those we are supporting to identify and achieve goals in 1:1 appointments.
We’re proud to share some of the feedback from participants who have been part of our HNS ILC programs since commencing in October of 2024. From building confidence and friendships to learning new skills and feeling supported in their local community, these words remind us why this work matters.
Thank you to everyone who has taken part in our program. Your experiences, laughter and connections are what make our community so special!
We’re proud to share some of the feedback from participants who have been part of our HNS ILC programs since commencing in October of 2024. From building confidence and friendships to learning new skills and feeling supported in their local community, these words remind us why this work matters.
Thank you to everyone who has taken part in our program. Your experiences, laughter and connections are what make our community so special!
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Our Locations
Outreaching to Laurieton and Kempsey
Outreaching to Laurieton and Kempsey
Port Macquarie ILC Centre
Located at Port Macquarie Neighbourhood Centre
2 -4 Dodds Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
Located at Port Macquarie Neighbourhood Centre
2 -4 Dodds Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
Lake Cathie ILC Centre
Located at Lake Cathie Community Hub
34 Mullaway Road, Lake Cathie NSW 2445
Located at Lake Cathie Community Hub
34 Mullaway Road, Lake Cathie NSW 2445
Wauchope ILC Centre
Located at Wauchope Neighbourhood Centre
4 Tallowood Avenue, Wauchope NSW 2446
Located at Wauchope Neighbourhood Centre
4 Tallowood Avenue, Wauchope NSW 2446
FOLLOW THE ILC ON OUR SOCIALS
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Check out the PMNC Facebook Feed Below
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Our Funding |
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HNS Information, Linkages and Capacity Building is funded by the Department of Social Services for the period of 2 years from 1st July 2024 through to 30th June 2026.
This program was funded for capacity building and social participation for community members living with disability. The ILC team are here to support and welcome individuals who may be experiencing mental health struggles, living with disability, experiencing social barriers or who just wants to learn some extra skills.
The Information, Linkages & Capacity Team strive to deliver:
This program was funded for capacity building and social participation for community members living with disability. The ILC team are here to support and welcome individuals who may be experiencing mental health struggles, living with disability, experiencing social barriers or who just wants to learn some extra skills.
The Information, Linkages & Capacity Team strive to deliver:
- community support programs
- information referrals
- build social connections
- bring the community together
Hastings Neighbourhood Services
We embrace diversity and welcome all.
We acknowledge and pay cultural respect to the Biripi people – the first custodians of the land we live and work on today.
We acknowledge and pay cultural respect to the Biripi people – the first custodians of the land we live and work on today.
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Incorporated as Port Macquarie Neighbourhood Centre since March 1978
Trading as an Australian Business No: 89592910624 since July 2000 Copyright HNS
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