PHOTO: Erin and Jake Jones of Jones Made, with Braith, baby Murphy, Mason and Edie.
Welcome to the newest section of the Coonamble Times where we keep readers updated on what local family, health and wellbeing services are up to.
“In recent years we’ve seen a growth in support services, with both locally-based and visiting staff, but we’ve also been hearing that people are finding it hard to know what’s available or how to contact them,” said Coonamble Times Editor Lee O’Connor.
“So the team came up with the idea of a regular page to make it easier for everyone to find what they need when they need it.
“The concept got a great reception when it was discussed recently at a meeting of the Coonamble Interagency Association and the Coonamble Neighbourhood Centre have been really helpful in providing contact details for many of the agencies.
“We’re hoping that what you see here is just the beginning of something adds to the strength of our community.”
Not only is the initiative being supported by the services listed but also by generous home-grown business sponsor Jones Made.
Business owner Erin Jones says her personal experience and previous work in different roles across the community with social service providers showed her how much this kind of information is needed.
“We often struggle as parents and families in a small rural communities to know where or who to turn to for help,” Erin said.
“We have a great network of services available in Coonamble, that offer a wide variety of assistance and support.
“The local neighbourhood centre has developed a services directory for our community and surrounding areas.
“This section in the Coonamble Times will support that directory and allow all services the opportunity to advertise current events, supports available and will provide a spotlight for community organisations to a wider audience.”
She said it is often the case that you don’t know what services are offered until you really need them.
“For me, losing my father in an accident last year highlighted the terrific supports we have available in our community,” she said.
“When presented with this idea to have a regular place to for services to have more of a voice, I couldn’t not be involved.”
We look forward to bringing you helpful information over the coming months and years.