On March 24, after an extensive renovation, Inner West Council Mayor, Darcy Byrne, officially opened the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre’s new premises at 11-13 Darley Street.
CEO Elaine Macnish said that after four decades of the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre (NNC) supporting the community from its address at 1 Bedford Street, the NNC was starting an exciting new chapter in its Darley Street location.
“I am thrilled to welcome our service users, community members and partners to our beautiful new, purpose-built centre, where we’ll be continuing to serve our local community though our homeless, aged care and community strengthening services.”
The customised hub, designed to meet the needs of the community, will build on the services the NNC has provided for over 40 years.
More than 100 community members, local services and valued partner organisations attended the launch along with Community Elder and Board member Uncle Boe, First Nations Ceremonial Dancers and Member for Newtown Jenny Leong MP.
Participants heard how the Inner West Council had invested over one million dollars into the site to create a welcoming, fresh and functional centre.
They also heard how the new premises would:
- provide opportunities for increasing aged care and family support;
- offer unique spaces for Newtown community members to hire for meetings and celebrations; and
- foster connections with residents, services, businesses and volunteers to maintain the wellbeing and unique culture of Newtown.
The Inner West Council has committed to opening a Pride Centre at Newtown Town Hall where the NNC was previously located.
It has also created Pride Square outside Newtown Town Hall which was officially opened by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on February 11, in the lead up to Sydney WorldPride 2023.
“The Inner West community has been the beating heart and soul of the long struggle for equality and civil rights in Australia,” said Mr Byrne.
“Our naming of Pride Square is an act of recognition and respect for the LGBTIQ+ community.”
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See www.newtowncentre.org or phone 02 9564 7333 for services or support.
