Resource centre needs base

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 19, 7 October 1986, Page 1

Resource centre needs base

The Waimarino Resource Centre is no longer just an idea — the ten-strong committee is eager to get plans under way, but everything must wait until a suitable venue can be found for the centre. The resource centre has also been referred to as the community centre, and is just that — it is the core of the community and is the parent body to a number of smaller operations. Once a suitable venue is found in Raetihi, and several are being assessed at present, the centre can be put into action. The project will be multifunctional. It will be instumental in helping people to find work, and will also be a way to counter the negative aspects of unemployment such as boredom and low self-esteem, through giving people the opportunity to get together and share their experiences. The Waimarino Resource Centre already has backing from the Labour, Justice and Maori Affairs Departments, and the Wanganui Area Health Board, to run a number of schemes. Under these schemes the resource centre may be used as a drug and alcohol abuse centre, an advice bureau, and a health resource centre run in conjunction with the district nurse. There will also be financial, budgeting and good samaritarians advice.

The committee is chairman Darcy Mills, secretary Leigh Berry, treasurer Graham Davis, and members Kathy Forster, Joyce Billington, Billy Mills, Stella Mills, Ritchie Akapita, Bob Peck and Gaye Chase. Several local people are training in Wanganui one day a week so that they can teach skills such as wool spinning, knitting and needle point, carving and weaving Maori designs, horticulture and clerical duties such as typing, filing and speed writing, as well as a wealth of other useful skills. Applications to take part in resource centre courses from up to 108 people from among the unemployed of the region are being taken now. These people will be employed for a time by the Labour Department on the skills training scheme. These fees will go towards the purchase of the building, or will help cover costs. Secretary Leigh Berry, said that the project had received a lot of support from the community, but it was frustrating that plans could not go ahead until the venue was settled. "Everyone's behind us — Church groups, school, the Mayor and people from all sectors of the community," she said. "But plans have to be mothballed until somewhere suitable is found."