The BEST Community Service Clubs in Wattle Ridge NSW

Wingecarribee Volunteer Centre is a one-stop shop for people seeking to give some of their time as volunteers, and for community organisations and other businesses that employ volunteers. Located in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, the Centre acts as a volunteer recruitment agency serving close to 80 clients and 150 volunteers each year. Its core business is recruiting and placing volunteers but it also: Advises on Best Practice and cooperates with government initiatives. Promotes the variety of volunteering opportunities available and the benefits of volunteering to all sectors of the community. Operates a resource centre for volunteering, providing advice, training sessions and information to support volunteer activities. Acts as an advocate for volunteering issues, particularly on the Rights of Volunteers.

Winmalee Neighbourhood Centre (WNC) is a registered charity that offers numerous Emergency Relief (ER) Program. We host a variety of low cost/free educational, recreational, well-being and outreach programs, designed to connect & strengthen communities. We auspice a number of support groups. As the only service that operates directly within the community impacted by the October 2013 bush fires, we continue to offer long term recovery support and programs designed to build resilience against future impacts. Our ER programs, initially increased to meet the needs of a devastated community, have evolved into the most comprehensive ER program provided in the Blue Mountains. We work with the most vulnerable members of our community, who face financial stress on a daily basis, through our ‘soft' entry processes. We continue to help people, who are experiencing financial hardship through the impacts of natural disaster - drought and bushfires. With the help of a Federal Department of Social Service grant for our “Support with Dignity” ER program, we have expanded our financial help outreach program beyond the Blue Mountains to the Hawkesbury and the Central West. Outlets are based in Winmalee, East Blaxland, Katoomba, Blackheath, Richmond, Windsor, Bligh Park, Lithgow, Oberon and Blayney. We also support other agencies through Foodbank in Glendenning. We work closely with local churches, schools, businesses and other community organisations, who provide invaluable support to ensure the sustainability of our programs. Our local community supports our programs, contributing to the success of our “Nourish your Neighbour” program, with regular donations of non-perishable food and pre-prepared meals. Donations of excess garden produce add variety to the daily supply of fresh food.