NSW election: Labor pledges $300,000 to Port Stephens services to continue helping its most vulnerable
Port Stephens Examiner
By Ellie-Marie Watts
March 16 2023 – 4:00pm
The services that look after Port Stephens’ most vulnerable residents have received a $300,000 election commitment from Labor.
Incumbent MP Kate Washington said an elected Labor government will deliver $100,000 each to the Yacaaba Centre, Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre and the Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Centre.
“These Port Stephens support services look after the most vulnerable in our community – people who are homeless, who can’t afford to put food on the table, and those escaping domestic and family violence,” Ms Washington said.
“I’m grateful to the hardworking teams at each of these services, for all they do to help people when they need it most, and strengthening our community.
Yacaaba Centre manager Louise Simpson welcomed the funding commitment.
It comes as the centre is seeking to redevelop its Donald Street site, which due to its steep driveway and stairs makes it inaccessible to some members of the community.
“The Yacaaba Centre, being a not-for-profit charity organisation, appreciates any government funding to help us to be able to our to provide support services to the Tomaree Peninsula community. Without essential support, our centre would not be able to operate at the current capacity of staff and opening hours,” Ms Simpson said.
“Kate has always been a huge advocate for our centre and we appreciate all the support she has given us over the many years.
“Our current priority at the centre is to make it accessible to all, with further planning on expanding the Centre to accommodate the needs of the community.”
The announcement in Nelson Bay on Thursday, March 16 comes after Labor committed to extending community service funding deeds to five years, giving services more time to support clients and less time on funding paperwork.
