Our vision

Our vision is a vibrant, inclusive, connected community that enriches its people and where no-one is isolated or left behind.

 Who are we?

The  Lower Mountains Neighbourhood Centre (LMNC) was founded in 1981.  It is one of several neighbourhood centres in the Blue Mountains that have a commitment to the enhancement of wellbeing within our community and through partnerships and collaboration with the wider community.  Our aim is to provide services in our community in response to identified needs and to provide opportunities for people to share their wisdom and experience with others, through volunteering and participation in a variety of activities and events.

Based in Blaxland, LMNC provides and maintains a diverse range of community services and programs in response to identified needs of all residents in the Lapstone to Warrimoo community.  The Centre operates in an openly accessible and accountable way, advocates on behalf of vulnerable community members, and promotes the development of self-help initiatives and support networks in order to enhance individual opportunities and strengthen community resilience. 

The key role of the Board and staff is to ensure that LMNC is an active contributor to the development of a strong, healthy, safe, resilient and vibrant self-help community in the Lapstone to Warrimoo area.

LMNC – A Snapshot 

• The Lower Mountains Neighbourhood Centre serves the residents of Lapstone to Warrimoo.
  
• LMNC has 4 part-time staff at the Centre who are funded through the Department of Community Services (DoCS) for the Centre’s ongoing operations, services and community development projects, and the Department of Ageing, Disability & Home Care (DADHC) for our Volunteer Home Visitors program.
  
• Our volunteer work-force is the foundation of who we are and what we do.
  
• Additional grants for new projects are sought from all levels of government. Sponsorships and donations welcomed from private donors and philanthropic groups.
  
• A volunteer Board is elected each year from local residents to oversee the governance of the Centre.
  
• Staff manage, co-ordinate, train and support a local volunteer workforce providing a range of services (see details under 'Services').

Aims

• To act as a focal point for local community activities and initiatives to ensure that the service is operated on a community basis and encourages maximum community participation.

• To identify community needs and where possible and appropriate, initiate, develop and operate programs to meet those needs and resource members of the community.

• To raise awareness of local community issues and advocate on behalf of individuals, organisations and groups where relevant.

• To network co-operatively with other services, individuals and groups for mutual benefit.

• Maintain sustainable services and funding to facilitate the work of the Centre.

• To be accountable to the community for provision of a quality service.

Meet the people

Board members 2009-2010

Chair: Warwick Fuller
Treasurer: John McLean
Secretary: Sandra Morey
Public Officer: Jenny Dooley
Members: Terry Body, Harry Klajman, Robin Mitchell, Elizabeth Rose 

Staff 

Manager: Peta Williams
Administration/Finance Officer: Leigh Gordon
Community Development Officer: Robyn Stewart
Co-ordinator, Volunteer Home Visitors: Susan Maples 

Computer Tutor (courses on demand) 
Greg Jacques

Volunteers 

Our sincere thanks to all the wonderful Volunteers who work with LMNC to ensure our services reach the residents of our community.