A North Coast ‘community-owned, social purpose organisation’ has denied that it is ‘taking over’ the Murwillumbah Community Centre (MCC), and says its merger is a ‘collaborative approach to strengthen services for the Murwillumbah community’.
The Family Centre (TFC) operate offices across the Northern Rivers, including Byron, Tweed, Ballina, and Grafton. They provide a range of programs, encompassing ‘child and family, young people and family, relationship services and disability services’ (through NDIS).
Questions were put to TFC after a member of the public raised concerns around a lack of transparency and process with the merger.
The claims included that around ‘almost all’ MCC staff were sacked and, ‘Core services have ceased operating’.
The member of the public told The Echo that with Family Centre funding and rules, ‘they generally only help families with children or youth under 24. By allowing this takeover, Murwillumbah is effectively banning anyone without a child from receiving local support’.
‘Where does a single person over 25 go now? With Nullum House gone and MCC becoming TFC, there is a literal vacuum for this demographic.
‘If you are a single adult over 25, a senior experiencing homelessness, mental health issues, or financial stress—you no longer have a place to seek assistance.
‘Under the new provider, if you don’t have a child, you likely won’t meet the criteria for help’.
‘This is not about creating alarm. It is about accountability and transparency,’ the resident said.
Questions they put forward were:
- ‘What is the purpose of this merger?
- Which services will remain, and which will be lost?
- How will people outside of The Family Centre’s core cohort be supported?
- What planning has been done to prevent service gaps for vulnerable community members?
- What is changing?
- What services will remain?
- How vulnerable members of the community will continue to be supported?’
The Family Centre replies
In a statement by TFC, they said, ‘MCC and TFC have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to guide a period of integration planning, with the shared goal of increasing access to services, ensuring continuity of support, and strengthening long-term sustainability for the Murwillumbah community’.
‘This partnership is not a takeover. MCC approached TFC to work collaboratively, and the process is ongoing. ‘MCC retains full governance and operational responsibility for the centre at this time.
‘Recent claims suggesting that people without children will no longer be able to access support are incorrect. MCC does, and will, continue to support all members of the community, regardless of age, family status or circumstances.
‘While some TFC programs are targeted, its broader approach is inclusive and guided by a “no wrong door” principle – ensuring anyone who reaches out are supported, either directly or through connection to the most appropriate services.
‘The intention of this collaboration is to maintain and strengthen the full range of community centre functions, including: Information, advice and referral; Community support and development; Community events and activities; Youth programs and activities; Operation of the Community Food Hub; Supported playgroups; and Co-location of health, community and government services.
‘In addition, the partnership provides an opportunity to increase access to a broader range of supports, including: child, youth and family services; youth homelessness and housing support; domestic and family violence support services, disability services, and relationship education and parenting skills programs, delivery of programs in local schools, supporting young people to build resilience, strengthen relationships and stay connected to education.
‘There is no “vacuum” in support. MCC will continue to provide a compassionate and inclusive service for all community members. Through a combination of on-site services, co-located providers and strong referral pathways, people will continue to be welcomed, listened to and connected to the support they need.
‘We also recognise the impact of changes such as the closure of Nullum House and are committed to working with community partners to identify gaps and respond to local need, particularly for those who may be vulnerable or at risk of isolation. Our focus is on ensuring people are not turned away but instead are supported to access the appropriate services.
‘Our Commitment – Both MCC and TFC are committed to ensuring that people in Murwillumbah can access support when they need it’.
Executive Director David Boutkan said, ‘This is not a takeover – it’s a collaborative approach to strengthen services for the Murwillumbah community. There is no wrong door to our support, and people will continue to be welcomed, connected and assisted regardless of their circumstances’.
‘TFC does not have operational control of MCC, and is not responsible for, or able to comment on, staffing structures or day-to-day operations. MCC retains full responsibility for these matters and has made public statements accordingly.’
‘We recognise the impact of changes such as the closure of Nullum House and are committed to working with community partners to identify gaps and respond to local need, particularly for those who may be vulnerable or at risk of isolation. Our focus is on ensuring people are not turned away, but are supported to supported to access the appropriate services,’ Boutkan added.
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