Our Work
Click on a logo below to read more about our projects:
Horizons Disability Support Program
Supporting people with Disability in the South Lake Macquarie area since 1992, Horizons Disability Support Program is a person-centred environment where people with a disability are listened to, respected and valued.
An NDIS registered provider, Horizons Disability Support Program encourages and supports people with disabilities to maintain and develop skills, connect with local community, increase independence and have active and valued roles in the community.
Programming and services
Horizons Day Program offers a individuals more choice and control over the support they receive and a variety of activities including, but not limited to; Art, music, outings, sewing, numeracy and literacy classes, gardening here at our community garden (what we grow, we cook, in our cooking classes), computer skills classes,
NDIS Provider Registration Number: 75801951
Southlake Neighbourhood Centre
Southlake Neighbourhood Centre aims to build an inclusive, resilient, self-reliant and creative community. We are a central point for community activity, actively working with individuals and collaborating with service providers to increase community access to local information, resources and activities. We assist individuals to build connections with appropriate services, build supports and informal social networks by coordinating community activities, events and programs.
Primary funded by Department Communities and Justice (formerly Family and Community Services), Southlake Neighbourhood Centre provides community support services, activities and events to local community members. Particular focus is given to disadvantaged and vulnerable groups such as senior community members, community members at risk of homelessness, people with mental illness, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people on low incomes.
Southlake Neighbourhood Centre facilitates a range of ongoing community programming in consultation with our local community members and partnering organisations.
Boomerang Bags | Coffee Craft and Chat | First Aid and Mental Health First Aid | Papercraft | Playgroup | Multicultural Group | Short courses and training opportunities | Tax Help | Vision Impaired Persons Group
Computer Use
We have two community computers onsite with access to the internet, Microsoft Office, printing and photocopying. By appointment.
Community Projects and Events
Throughout the year, Southlake Neighbourhood Centre hosts and coordinates a number of community activities, events, fundraisers and training opportunities. For more information about our upcoming community projects and events, check out Facebook page and sign up to receive our newsletters.
Programming and services
Information, Referral and Advocacy
Southlake Neighbourhood Centre provides accurate and widespread information regarding local services, programs, activities and referral pathways.
Community members can connect with our team face-to-face, over the phone, via email, and through our newsletter and social media platforms.
The Hub
Hunter Region No-Interest Loans Scheme
Southlake Neighbourhood Centre offers support to community members wishing to apply for the Hunter Region No-Interest Loans Scheme. Our team can assist with filling out the application forms and liaising with HRNILS. To find out more information or to book an appointment, please call 4973 7000
Yunung Community Garden
Adjacent to our centre is the largest Community Garden in the Hunter region. The Yunung garden holds a huge range of seasonal, native produce, growing all year round that is harvested for The Hub program, and open and available to the whole community. We run community programs and activities throughout the year in the garden space, and we have an amazing team of volunteers who maintain the garden and surrounding areas.
Washing Machine and Dryer
We offer a free, self-service washing machine and dryer on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 10am and 1pm. To use these appliances, all you need to do is bring your own bag or basket, put your washing on, and remain at our centre during the washing and drying cycles. All washing powder and fabric softener is provided.
Southlake Youth Service
We provide advice, information, specialist referral and advocacy across the South Lake Macquarie community, by coordinating a range of youth-focused activities, one-on-one case management, training and leadership opportunities, and evidence-based parenting programs.
Programming and services
Southlake Youth Service currently offers the following programs and services for young people predominantly aged between 12 and 24, and their families:
Case Management
Providing one-on-one support in the form of advice, information, specialist referral and advocacy.
Parenting Programs
Focused on capacity-building, relationship-building, effective communication and emotional regulation. Programs include ‘Engaging Adolescents’ and ‘Tuning In to Kids’.
Mental Health Awareness Courses
Courses include: SafeTALK Suicide Prevention and Awareness, Mental Health First Aid and Teen Mental Health First Aid.
Junior Top Blokes Mentoring Program
16-week strengths-based personal development program, aimed at harm minimisation.
The Wholesome Collective’s Food and Nutrition Program
4-week cooking program that builds capacity of young people and their parent/carer, aiming to optimise nutritional knowledge and cooking skills, and overcome social, medical and financial barriers to good health.
Food Parcels
Supplying food packages for young people and families in the local area.
Breakfast Clubs
Supplying breakfast foods and other resources to local schools.
Rage and Scream
Anger management programs for boys and girls in Year 6 at local primary schools.
Rock and Water
A 6-week program providing young people and adults a pathway to self-awareness, and increased self-confidence and social functioning.
Youth Week Events
Once a year we transport a group of up to 20 young people to the RAW Challenge at Doyalson, where they complete obstacles and other physical challenges, building their problem-solving skills, communication skills and mateship.
Further information
Contact Southlake Youth Services via their Facebook Page, or via Brooke Murphy on 0490 469 151 or use the form below:
Rent Choice Youth
Southlake Youth Service has recently been approved by the Department of Communities and Justice as a partnering support agency of their Rent Choice Youth initiative. The program has been developed as an early intervention measure to reduce youth homelessness in NSW.
The aims of Rent Choice Youth are to:
- Assist young people to find a private rental to live in
- Meet tenancy obligations
- Subsidise rental payments for up to three years
- Increase access to education and employment
Eligible young people only pay 25% of their weekly income plus 100% of any rental assistance they receive, and the outstanding amount is then subsidised.
The eligibility criteria for Rent Choice Youth consists of:
- 16-24 years of age
- Australian Citizenship
- Motivated to work and/or study
- Able to live independently in the private rental market
- Low income and/or Centrelink payment
As part of the program, young people are also eligible for $2,000 of brokerage to assist with purchasing furniture and other household items, along with resources for education and employment.
We are now taking enquiries and referrals from young people, community services organisations and real estates.
Contact Brooke Murphy today for more info via 02 4973 7000 or 0490 469 151 or use the form below:
