Glen Innes Severn Council has reaffirmed its commitment to the Glen Innes & District Community Centre (GIDCC), recognising the organisation’s key role in delivering essential frontline services and promoting social connection throughout the region.
The GIDCC operates as a community-led hub, providing a broad range of vital services. These include emergency relief, youth support, programs for seniors, skills workshops and service referrals—addressing ongoing challenges in accessing services across rural communities.
At its April 2025 meeting, Council endorsed a comprehensive support package aimed at addressing immediate needs and ensuring long-term sustainability. The package includes advocacy with Homes North to enhance service coordination, in-kind support to help develop a 2025/26 Strategy, and assistance with grant applications to strengthen the Centre’s financial position. Work is already underway, with early progress reported as promising.
Council is set to receive a report in August that will outline options to support the GIDCC’s short-term financial stability. The report will also explore the feasibility of establishing a Community Service Hub aimed at improving service access and coordination. Among the measures under consideration are a one-off financial subsidy, engagement with local service providers, and an investigation into future co-location opportunities, potentially involving Council facilities.
The August report will further detail initial findings and propose next steps towards the longer-term goal of a Community Service Hub that would provide greater continuity and accessibility of services for the Glen Innes community.
Mayor Margot Davis said, “The GIDCC is a vital connector in our community – offering inclusive, accessible and empathetic support when it’s needed by some of the most vulnerable people in our community. Council’s package isn’t just about meeting urgent needs; it’s about building stronger, more coordinated services in Glen Innes – this is about place-based and need-based service delivery.”
The GIDCC’s recent achievement in securing Not-for-Profit status has also unlocked new funding avenues, including eligibility for Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) grants. Council is providing additional assistance with governance documentation and strategic planning to further support the Centre’s development.
Elena Weatherall, Chairperson of the Glen Innes & District Community Centre, said, “We’re incredibly grateful for the support shown by Glen Innes Severn Council. This partnership strengthens our ability to continue providing vital services to the community and gives us hope for a more sustainable future. With Council’s backing, we can build towards a stronger, more connected Glen Innes.”
