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Responding to an identified need by local council and the community for social services in Gloucester, CatholicCare opened a new office in Gloucester last Tuesday.
CatholicCare director Helga Smit said that the expansion of the services, already offered in Gloucester remotely from Taree, would make a real difference in people's lives.
"Like many small rural communities, Gloucester has significant needs in the areas of social and counselling services. Our new office will give local community members access to a vital service and reduce the pressures on vulnerable people who currently travel long distances to seek the help and support they need," Ms Smit said.
Services provided by the new office located at 47 King Street will include counselling, mental health support services (PHaMs), targeted early intervention services (Brighter Futures), youth services and disability support services.
The centre will share its space with St Joseph Parish’s leadership team to model what CatholicCare terms a “unique holistic approach to pastoral care... adding value to Gloucester through the offering of a variety of services, all from one location.”
At the opening local Aboriginal elder Aunty Norma Fisher welcomed the gathering to the Worimi land and captured the spirit of the day when she hoped we "may all cherish our time together and leave with peace in our hearts."
Ms Smit said that the project was not only a result of hard work on the part of many involved, but also contained "a dash of blind faith". She compared the region’s three rivers (Avon, Barrington, Gloucester) to the key principles behind the office – unity, quality and sustainability – and invited the community to "walk the journey in a joint venture".
St Joseph’s Primary School students and teachers performed two hymns in front of the parishioners, Gloucester Shire Council members, and government and non-government sectors present to witness the opening. Bishop Bill Wright officially opened and blessed the building and staff.
Ms Smit concluded by hoping that with reassurance, guidance and support, CatholicCare would make a difference in the local community.
CatholicCare has operated in the Hunter and Manning region for over 50 years, providing services in counselling, foster care, disability care, youth services, relationship education and refugee support. To access CatholicCare Gloucester’s services phone (02) 6558 1777 or visit www.catholiccare.org.au.