Community house becomes information centre

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 454, 22 September 1992, Page 10

Community house becomes information centre

BY

Jan

Savell

The Waiouru Information and Drop In Centre opened its doors for the first time yesterday. A fresh batch of volunteers, coordinated by Carolyn Smith, have renamed the

Community Resource Centre and are eager to get things up and running. "We aim to provide a much needed community service. When women come to Waiouru they are often leaving friends and

family. The aim to provide a possible point of first contact for making new friends," said a committee member. The centre can provide contact names for local clubs, give advice on services available in the community or just support newcomers in those first few months when nothing is familiar. Baby changing facilities, tea, coffee and toilets will be available at the Centre. A craft display and free morning tea are planned for the inaugural opening of the centre. From now on the centre will be open each morning from 10am to noon and Tuesday and Thursday aftemoons from 1pm to 3pm. Convenor for daily activities, Diane Tews, has plans for a regular programme of activities in the mornings. She plans to use local expertise on such topics as home sewing for beginners, budget cooking, and craft ideas for Christmas. The committee successfully applied to REAP for a REAP Assisted Project grant to reopen the centre but ongoing funding will be required. A Department of Social Welfare (DSW) representative from the Community Funding Agency spoke to the committee last week about possible avenues. Kevin Te Wano, outreach worker for the Taumarunui DSW, outlined the steps required to register for funding through his office. The next meeting the committee will discuss whether the application for this funding will be made.