Neighbourhood Centre Subcommittee

At Linkwest, we want to ensure that we develop, implement and evaluate services that are relevant, of high quality, and add value to all our members, no matter their service model.

To demonstrate our commitment in this area, Linkwest has established two subcommittees; one to represent Neighbourhood Centres, and the other, Community Resource Centres. Both these subcommittees report to the Linkwest board.

The purpose of the subcommittees is to provide strategic advice — from a member perspective — about Linkwest’s service provision, including current initiatives and future reform. The subcommittees also play a key role in advising Linkwest on issues, challenges and opportunities in their sector, and the communities that they serve.

 

The Hepburn Centre - Helen Cocks

Helen has been involved with The Hepburn Centre (formerly Marangaroo Family Centre) since 1996 when her oldest child (who is now 20) attended Playgroup at the Centre. She spent many years on the Committee for Marangaroo Playgroup, ABC Toy Library and Marangaroo Family Centre before being offered the position as Centre Coordinator in 2006.

Helen is passionate about Family Centres and the role they play in improving the lives of everyone in the community. She has a special interest in Mental Health issues and the impact on families. With the support of The Hepburn Centre, Helen is also now a Justice of the Peace.

 

Northcliffe Family and Community Centre - Alana Moorman

Alana has been involved in the Northcliffe Family & Community Centre since moving to Northcliffe in 2004. She has served in various capacities, including Chairperson, Treasurer and Board member since then, and is currently working at the Centre as an Administration Officer. She is active in various community groups, and passionate about creating opportunities for connection and cooperation in her community.

In her spare time, she enjoys more solitary activities such as reading, video games and just sitting thinking, or not thinking, as the case may be.

Rainbow Coast Neighbourhood Centre - Sarah Hilder

Sarah started at Rainbow Coast Neighbourhood Centre in 2009 as an administrative assistant and then program co-ordinator for their community garden project. In 2012, she took on the Centre manager role as a job-share position. During this time the funding and political landscape has ebbed and flowed and as an organisation they have had to adapt to remain relevant and of service to our community. It is this ability to change and grow, to respond to community need, and contribute to creating resilient families that she loves about this sector. As a regional neighbourhood centre they often feel isolated and rely on the strong support and networking that Linkwest provides.

Sarah has a background in environmental design and office management and is currently studying accounting. Throughout her time as manager, she has attended training in volunteer management, environmental sustainability, community development and many other areas. There is always something to learn and she is excited by the role that our Centres play in adult community education as pathways to further learning, personal development and individual resilience. Sarah walks a constant line between being very proud of all the support we provide and knowing there is so much more to be achieved. 

The Spiers Centre - Mel Wright

Currently the Community Services Coordinator for The Spiers Centre, Mel has been working with the Centre for over eleven years having held different roles including Crèche Coordinator and has over twenty years experience working in the community sector.

Mel has experience in professional fundraising for community events and large not-for-profit organisations, is highly proficient in community engagement and in the Early Years Learning Framework, and holds a Diploma of Children’s Services.

Woodlupine Family Centre - Tanya McGrath

Tanya has been employed within the Community Services Sector for over 25 years, in a variety of roles, from Educator, Parenting Support Officer, TAFE Lecturer, Centre Manager, and has sat on many Committees and Boards.

Her passion for community empowerment and engagement stems from growing up in the remote north of Western Australia. She understands how important it is to feel connected, supported and valued within a community and this has guided her professional practice.

Tanya's 3 daughters' interests and passions have allowed her to contribute to community sporting groups and clubs on a volunteer basis.

She has a strong commitment to good governance protocols and procedures, ensuring our approach to community development is sustainable, contemporary and appropriate for the communities we work with.