​Wauchope Neighbourhood Centre
​Current services and programs 

Food connect

Food Connect offers free rescued food to those experiencing hardship or disadvantage to ensure no-one goes without a meal. 
​The service operates every Monday at 9.30 am till gone with no criteria or eligibility. Everyone is welcome .
We ask for a gold coin donation on entry and please bring your own bag.

EAPA

​Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) provides assistance to eligible customers experiencing difficulty in paying their electricity accounts.   EAPA is provided to assist customers to remain connected to electricity and cannot be issued for a previous residence.  A simple criteria and interview process is required. Appointments are necessary.
​Please contact us for more information on 6586 4055

Laundry Facility

For people who are experiencing homelessness they can use our Laundry facility on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9.30am to 1pm. 
Washing detergent is supplied and we ask for a gold coin donation.

Community Garden

Our Community Garden operates Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.30am - 1.30pm.
We can show you how to grow your own produce in an environmentally friendly way in any type of garden or if you like you can become a volunteer at the garden. ​

Financial Counselling

This is a free service provided by a Financial Counsellor on budgets, debts, advocates on your behalf with financial institutions and bankruptcy.
​Tuesdays on fortnightly basis - by appointment only.

LEAF Service 

Literacy, Editing and Forms Service.
This is a free service providing support to read, sort, understand and write your documents. 
Do you need assistance with your personal documents and forms?
​Then make an appointment with our confidential and respectful team. 
Call 6586 4055 for an appointment or further information 
* bookings are essential       

Seaside Stretch & Move

TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED

Free gentle outdoor group exercises 
30 min tailored gentle exercise from trained facilitator
Followed by free morning tea
Weekly bus tour to new local locations in the Hastings each week
Every Wed 8:20 am – 11:30 am  from each centre
Bookings essential. To book or for more information contact Brendan on 0408194947 or email enquiry.lakecathie@hns.org.au

Hastings Valley Toy Library

The Toy library is being held on the 2nd Saturday of each month (except January) 9.30am - 11am.
​For further information ph 0490 854 162.

L2P Learner Driver Program

This program provides experienced mentor drivers and a dedicated L2P vehicle to enable eligible young people aged 16 to 24yrs the opportunity to complete their compulsory driving hours and gain their P1 drivers licence. Please see the eligibility criteria or call us for more information.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Aged 16-24yrs & disadvantaged with no access to a vehicle and/or supervising driver.
Must attend an information session
Must hold a current NSW learners licence (or obtain one before commencing with the program)
More info….
PURPOSE - To assist learner drivers who do not have adequate access to a vehicle and/or support from a licenced driver to complete the required driving hours.
AIM - To support young people to complete their required 120 hrs with the skills to obtain their P1 Drivers Licence therefor creating greater life opportunities such as study, work, social, family etc.
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L2P 25+ - This program provides eligible participants aged over 25yrs, access to a limited number of professional driving lessons to gain some experience and confidence behind the wheel with the aim to gain their P1 licence. Please see the eligibility criteria or call us for more information
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Aged 25yrs+ and have a learner licence
On Centrelink or a low-income worker
Have inadequate access to a car and/or supporting driver
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“Driving the Hastings” Medium Rigid (MR) Licencing program
This program is funded by Transport for NSW and offers eligible participants the opportunity to gain their Medium Rigid (MR) truck licence to improve employment opportunities. Participants also have the option to go onto the next step of obtaining a Bus Driver Authority Licence. 
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander and/or unemployed/disadvantaged or have limited employment
Attend an information session to be eligible for consideration
Hold a current NSW drivers licence (at least Green P’s)
live in the Port Macquarie Hastings area.
Must be able to proficiently drive a manual vehicle
Must be willing to Volunteer a minimum 30hrs to a Community Organisation

Tax Help

This is a free service offered by trained Australian Taxation Office volunteers to assist low income earners to complete and lodge their personal tax return.  This service is available between August to October each year.  A simple criteria applies and an appointment is required.  Contact the Neighbourhood Centre on 6586 4055
 
 TAX HELP ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
•Taxable Income $60,000 or less? ($120,000 for a couple)
 
DURING THE LAST FINANCIAL:
•Not run your own business?
•Not operate under a labour hire agreement quoting your ABN?
•Not receive any royalties?
•Not receive income from either a public unit trust or a public trading trust?
•Not own or share ownership in a rental property?
•Not make a capital gain or capital loss by selling shares or other capital assets?
•Not receive any foreign income, other than a foreign pension or annuity?

Events

 ​The Neighbourhood Centre conducts many other funded programs during the year, as well as workshops, celebrations and events.
Our school holiday activities include our Family Fun Day, which is a day of fun, games and activities for the local community, as well as Sports Days and much more.
Check out our Wauchope Neighbourhood Centre Facebook page. ​

Transport Services
Getting there 
Enables the youths of Wauchope to travel into Port Macquarie with free bus tickets to go to the beach, movies, shopping etc. Also assists mother with children to attend medical appointments and school holiday outings.

​WDO - Wauchope Neighbourhood Centre is an approved Work Development Order Organisation. 
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OUTREACH SERVICE - provide office space for: 

• ​Domestic & Family Violence Specialists - Support, information, referral & advocacy is available to women and their children who are dealing with domestic violence and related issues. You can access support where you are in a relationship, separated or divorced. Phone 6583 2155
• Employment Services - AMP and CHESS Next employment