New community centre to help family support services

A NEW community services centre has opened in Ballina to support child protection and family services across the region.

The purpose-built facility will house 20 local staff from the Department of Communities and Justice, including 14 child protection caseworkers.

It will operate as a permanent hub for frontline family support services, aimed at improving access for local families.

The centre is the fourth new community services facility delivered in the region following the rebuild of three sites in Lismore after the 2022 floods.

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin said the new space would help staff carry out vital work.

“Our caseworkers carry out vital work, and this new space gives them the facilities they need to support local families with dignity, cultural understanding and care,” she said.

The building includes modern workspaces, community meeting rooms and a dedicated family room designed to provide therapeutic support for children.

It will also support local operations of the Joint Child Protection Response Program, a multi-agency unit involving NSW Police and NSW Health that responds to serious cases of child abuse.

The local child protection workforce has also recently benefited from a state government pay deal with the Public Service Association, which included salary increases, improved overtime provisions and the creation of 100 leading caseworker roles.

Minister for families, communities and disability services Kate Washington said the investment would strengthen support for families.

“This investment ensures local families in Ballina and surrounding communities receive the support they need, close to home,” she said.

“The centre will provide a safe, modern and inviting environment where our caseworkers can support children and families when they need it most.”