Noosa Council, Queensland, has teamed up with a range of agencies and not-for-profit organisations to launch a one-stop shop giving vulnerable locals easy access to essential services.
Acting Mayor, Frank Wilkie, said, “Social Services Hub Day is a fortnightly drop-in centre where those facing hardship can access doctors, and not-for-profit and government services to help them find accommodation and employment, all in the one location.
“Anyone who is experiencing homelessness, or is at risk of it, is welcome to the Hub Day at Tait-Duke Community Cottage in Tewantin.”
Agencies and not-for-profits working with Council will deliver the initiative, including Sunny Street, St Vincent de Paul, Red Cross Employment Services and Orange Sky Laundry.
Sunny Street co-founder, Sonia Goodwin, said, “Sunny Street offers the opportunity to have a good conversation with doctors and/or nurses about their health journey.”
Sunny Street provides health screening, disease support, wound care and preventative health services such as immunisation and education to those in need.
Community Development Manager, Alison Hamblin, said delivering coordinated services such as Hub Day was a key initiative of Council’s social strategy.
“The concept has been well received and the support we’ve had from not-for-profit groups, government departments and other agencies to deliver it has been overwhelming.”
St Vincent de Paul’s Maureen Farrington welcomed the chance to take part.
“This integrated approach will help with breaking through layers of complexity for those who are seeking information and assistance in addressing multiple life issues,” she said.
Local resident Jakob, who received help from St Vincent de Paul regularly in the past, said being able to access multiple agencies under one roof would greatly assist locals who were doing it tough.
“Having lots of services together in one friendly place like this will make it much easier for people to get the help they need to move forward like I have,” he said.
