Blue Mountains News

The funding is being contributed to Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre (BANC), Junction 142, Belong Blue Mountains’ centres in Katoomba, Lawson and Blaxland, Springwood Neighbourhood Centre and Winmalee Neighbourhood Centre.

Each centre will use the donation to strengthen community wellbeing over the busy festive season, including Christmas lunches, food relief programs, social connection activities and local support initiatives.

The funding comes via the Mayoral Contingency Fund, a small discretionary budget that enables Council to provide support to local community organisations, particularly during high-demand periods such as Christmas.

Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill said the donations reflect Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting local people.

“Our Neighbourhood Centres are the heart of their communities,” Cr Greenhill said.

“They create safe, welcoming spaces and provide practical support to people when they need it most.

“Christmas can be a challenging time for many, and I’m pleased Council can offer a small but meaningful contribution to help these centres continue their vital work.

“I want to thank all our Neighbourhood Centres for the compassion, dedication and care they show to our community every day. These funds will go straight to programs that make a real difference on the ground.”

Hamish Dunlop, Community Development and Programs Officer at BANC, said the donation comes at a critical time.

“Christmas brings a significant rise in the need for food support, as well as a need for social connection. These funds will support our Christmas Day Lunch, our hamper drive, and help keep our pantry stocked.”

Liz Cooper from Belong Blue Mountains said the funds will contribute to a range of support services.

“Across our Katoomba, Lawson and Blaxland centres, we provide food relief, community activities and safe spaces for people to connect. This support helps us continue delivering hampers and essential assistance to vulnerable community members over Christmas.”

Community members who would like to support the vital work of our Neighbourhood Centres this Christmas can learn more or donate at:

Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre (BANC)
www.banc.org.au

Junction 142 (Katoomba)
www.junction142.org.au

Belong Blue Mountains – Katoomba, Lawson and Blaxland Centres
www.belongbm.org.au

Springwood Neighbourhood Centre
www.sncc.org.au

Winmalee Neighbourhood Centre
www.winmaleeneighbourhoodcentre.com.au