The Northern Rivers Community Gateway community hub in Lismore has been closed since February last year owing to the floods flood but today the doors are finally reopening.
To celebrate the occasion with the communities, Community Gateway will host a free public open day on Friday 12 May, from 2-6pm. This event is an opportunity for everyone to come along, connect, inspect the renovated premises, enjoy some great entertainment, get involved in some fun activities and win some prizes.
Food and refreshments will be available, children and families are welcome.
Significant renovations and upgrades
Located at 76 Carrington Street, the community hub has undergone significant renovations and upgrades to repair extensive flood damage, provide a better experience for community members, and to safeguard against future flooding
It is a vital resource for vulnerable people in Lismore and Northern NSW, providing essential support services, programs and activities for disadvantaged people of all ages and backgrounds.
Community Gateway CEO Jenni Beetson-Mortimer said they are delighted to be able to reopen after such a long hiatus. ‘We are thrilled to finally be moving back into our home on this special day.
Disaster management plan
‘We had a disaster management plan in place, so when the hub flooded, we were able to relocate to temporary premises in Goonellabah and continue uninterrupted service delivery, at a time when more people than ever were in need of support.
‘Even so, many of our staff experienced significant hardships too, and they have all worked so hard to ensure the most vulnerable people in our communities have been supported through the disaster. We cannot wait to showcase the new facilities and services that we are now able to provide.’
Beetson-Mortimer said that the hub is now hosting Lismore’s trusted reproductive and sexual health service, Choices clinic. ‘Choices has many decades of local experience providing specialist health care, and we are proud to include this expertise in our range of support services.
Open day
‘Our open day on 12 May serves to let local communities know that are finally running at full capacity again; to remind vulnerable and disadvantaged locals that we’re here to support them; and to reconnect with our community partners.’
For more information about Community Gateway and their community hub, contact CEO Jenni Beetson-Mortimer: [email protected].
That’s great news to hear that Lismore’s community hub has reopened! Community hubs play a vital role in bringing people together, fostering social connections, and providing essential services to the local community.
Reopening the community hub is a significant step towards rebuilding and revitalizing the community after any closures or disruptions. These hubs serve as a central gathering place for residents to access resources, participate in activities, and engage with one another.
Having a community hub is essential for fostering a sense of belonging, promoting community cohesion, and supporting local initiatives. It creates a space where individuals, families, and organizations can come together to share ideas, collaborate on projects, and build a stronger community.
The reopening of Lismore’s community hub demonstrates the resilience and determination of the community to overcome challenges and create a supportive environment for its residents. It provides an opportunity for people to come together, connect, and support one another.
I commend the efforts of all those involved in reopening the community hub. Their dedication and commitment to providing a space where people can gather, learn, and grow is truly commendable. I hope that the community hub becomes a thriving hub of activity and a catalyst for positive change in the community.
I encourage everyone in Lismore to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the community hub, whether it’s attending events, accessing services, or getting involved in community initiatives. Together, we can create a vibrant and inclusive community that benefits all residents.
Once again, congratulations on the reopening of Lismore’s community hub, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.