The Neighbourhood Centres of Bellingen Shire (NCoBS) is entering a new era of leadership and renewal, welcoming Kristen Collier as its new Manager and changes to its Management Committee.
After many years of dedicated service, Roger Horton has stepped down as Manager, with Kristen Collier now taking on the role to lead the organisation into its next phase. Kristen brings a deep knowledge of the Neighbourhood Centres and a passion for strengthening local connections and ensuring everyone in the Bellingen Shire has access to support and a sense of belonging.
“It’s such a privilege to step into the leadership of an organisation that has been serving our community for over fifty years. NCoBS has a long legacy of ensuring that Shire community services are managed by locals and delivered by locals. People like Phil Wilson, Roma Harris, those activists and change makers who built our foundations and ethos of working for and with our community.”
In a region where services are often scattered between outside providers, NCoBS is unusual – a single, locally run organisation that supports families from pregnancy and early childhood through to youth, adults and older residents, all under one umbrella.
“What makes NCoBS special is that it isn’t just one program or one building,” Ms Collier said. “A parent might first come to a playgroup, then later their teenager connects with the Youth Hub, or they drop into a Neighbourhood Centre for help with bills or forms. It’s one local organisation walking alongside people at different stages of life, across the whole Shire.”
After more than 12 years of outstanding service, Kerry Child has retired from her role as Chair of the Management Committee. In recognition of her remarkable contribution and dedication, Kerry was awarded Lifetime Membership of NCoBS, a rare honour that reflects her long-standing commitment to the people of the Shire.
The organisation now welcomes Jocelyn Box as the new Chair and Sonny Neale as Vice Chair. Jocelyn brings extensive community development experience and enthusiasm for engaging local voices and solutions to local issues.
NCoBS has its roots in the community activism of the late 1970s, when local residents worked to establish a community centre in the former Bellingen Primary School building on Hyde Street, including a period of high-profile protests to protect the centre from demolition by Council in the early 80s. Over time this evolved into the Bellingen Neighbourhood Centre and, later, NCoBS, with a long history of local people rallying to support and sustain the service.
Today, it remains the only Bellingen Shire-based community service organisation. It operates Neighbourhood Centres in Bellingen, Urunga and Dorrigo, the Bellingen Youth Hub and Dorrigo Youth Centre, youth and family casework through Bellingen Nambucca Youth Services, and an Early Childhood program with playgroups and parenting support across the shire. Alongside this, the organisation provides material aid and emergency relief, No Interest Loans, a Services Australia Agency in Bellingen and a host of volunteering and social connection activities that helps strengthen the social fabric of the region.
A lot of people still think of Neighbourhood Centres as just a place for a cuppa or a chat,” Ms Collier said. “That’s still important, but alongside that we’re helping people with housing stress, food relief, parenting support, youth mental health and navigating Centrelink. The range of support under this one banner is huge for a small rural shire.”
Ms Collier credits the NCoBS team of staff and volunteers for the success of over twenty services and projects.
“Every team member is passionate about our community, and they constantly go above and beyond. The care and the heart that they give to every person they work with is what I’m finding makes NCoBS so unique – everyone is made to feel welcome.”
Like many community organisations, NCoBS faces significant challenges, from under-funding and increasing operational costs to growing demand for local support. Under new leadership, the organisation is determined to meet these challenges head-on, balancing its grassroots values with a renewed commitment to professional excellence and sustainable community service.
“I feel privileged to step into this role at such an important time,” said Jocelyn Box, NCoBS Chair. “Our organisation has always been of the community, for the community. Under new leadership, we’ll be taking on the real responsibility we have to the Bellingen Shire, to operate to our best, support those in need, and continue to embody the grassroots spirit that started it all.”
The Neighbourhood Centres of Bellingen Shire are calling on locals to get involved, volunteer, or consider joining the Management Committee. The organisation thrives on community energy and welcomes anyone who shares its vision of connection, inclusion, and mutual support.
For more information about NCoBS, its programs, or how to get involved, visit www.connecting.org.au