Funding

In late 2010 the BVNC Inc, on behalf of Berkeley Vale Neighbourhood Centre and Bateau Bay Neighbourhood Centre, entered the NSW Department of Government Human Services Community Services Community Builders funding program.

Consistently with Community Builders funding priorities, our two Neighbourhood Centres have aimed to provide a capacity-building community resource which connects people to information, services, and each other. We have sought to build community resilience and to improve safety, security and well-being in our local areas. Our Centres have also provided venues and facilities for a range of community-based, non-profit services and activities for local community members, including information, workshops and assistance provided by visiting agencies at our Centres.

Our Service priorities have evolved, and continue to evolve, under current Government policy priorities and funding guidelines, as well as in response to changes in local conditions and in community expectations. We are currently funded under the Community Strengthening stream of FACS’ Targeted Early Intervention model of service priorities and accountabilities. More information about Community Builders, Targeted Early Intervention and the Community Strengthening stream can be found on our Berkeley Vale Neighbourhood Centre Page.

Services are delivered under two broad streams:

‘Community Strengthening’ – activities that build cohesion, inclusion and wellbeing across all communities, and empower Aboriginal communities.

‘Wellbeing and Safety’ – activities that support families and individuals, and provide opportunities for personal development.

Berkeley Vale Neighbourhood Centre aims to meet its TEI Service through:

• Provision of a Community Centre – providing a place to meet, interact, volunteer, or seek help or support. This may include provision of meeting space, sponsorship/support for forums, groups and programs (including parent, youth, early childhood), and access to equipment and technology such as computers, software and internet etc.
• Development of Community Connections – building social capital and networks, promoting social inclusion, tolerance and diversity. This may include sponsorship/support of events, workshops, art and cultural or community activities etc..
• Provision of Community Support – providing programs to improve individual capacity (knowledge, skills, experience, confidence and well-being), social inclusion and participation. This may include sponsorship/support of training, workshops, activities that provide community support, and provision of volunteer opportunities etc..
• Provision of Targeted Support – providing assistance for people in specific categories of disadvantage or difficulty (e.g. domestic violence, social/economic disadvantage). This may include sponsorship/support of counselling, parenting or family groups or programs, playgroups, youth or child care activities etc.