Our monthly Community Connections Morning Tea is on again next week. Join us next Tuesday 3rd of December at the Wardell CORE - Rainbow Room [ next to St Patricks Church ] from 10 am to 12 noon.

Welcoming visitors from throughout the district : Woodburn, Broadwater, Ballina, Alstonville and beyond. Please bring a plate to share.

For more information, please contact us at Wardell CORE on 0431 716 457

Community Information Sessions: Community-Led Aged Care Support

Are you or a loved one in need of extra support to stay living at home? Or are you interested in making a difference in your community by supporting others?

Join us for our upcoming Community Information Sessions to learn about Wardell CORE’s new partnership with Mable. Discover how this innovative program brings locally-led care to our community, offering social, economic, and health benefits for everyone involved.

Find out how you can access support, help a loved one, or get paid while providing care in your community.

Session Details:

• Session 1: Monday, 9th December | 11:00am-12:00noon | Rainbow Room, Wardell CORE

• Session 2: Monday, 9th December | 5:30pm-6:30pm | Wardell CORE

Together, we’re building stronger, healthier communities. Don’t miss it!

Through our wonderful partnership with Food Bank Australia we are helping to make sure that everyone can afford to have a special meal this Christmas.
We are expecting deliveries this week of Christmas Food Support Hampers valued at $25 each.

If you would like to find out more or access this amazing service drop in and see us.

3.4 million households in Australia are struggling to put food on the table. For many, the added pressure of Christmas—providing gifts or creating a special meal—can feel overwhelming.

If you don’t need support yourself and can afford to help someone else consider making a donation to Food Bank Australia’s Christmas appeal so we can ensure no family is left behind this holiday season.

Food Bank : Christmas for Everyone Appeal

Introducing our new Community Mental Health Program

We’re excited to announce that Lynne Shailer, Mental Health Nurse and Counsellor will be continuing to offer a Community Mental Health Service in Wardell.
As the fully funded program has now come to an end, Lynn will be offering affordable fee for service professional mental health and wellbeing support, including one-on-one counselling, group therapy, trauma-informed case management, and EMDR therapy.

Contact us at 0431 716 457 to book an appointment or ask any questions.

Congratulations to the fresh produce team who were awarded the ‘Quiet Achiever’ award by the Scope Club of Ballina

For the past year and a half this team have given a day every fortnight to make fresh and affordable fruit and vegetables available to the community - that’s approximately 100 boxes every order cycle. If you’ve ever ordered a produce box, these are the lovely folk who pack them. They may not be the quietest bunch but they certainly achieve when they work together!

Enormous gratitude to this team, Jenny, Annette, Tamara, Rhonda, Di, Lesley, Bob, Klint, Rod, Linda and all the other vollies who keep the wheels on this program turning. And our deepest thanks to the Scope Club for the beautiful acknowledgement of the team and the delicious lunch, this recognition means so much

You can order now for next fortnights delivery on Wednesday Dec 11

Head to the Wardell CORE website https://www.wardellcore.community/store

If you can’t order online drop in and see us.

First Aid Certificate training in Broadwater is coming up this Thursday, Dec 5.

Register here for “Learn First Aid and CPR:”

Support Local Heroes: Purchase Turning the Tide from Wardell CORE

We’re proud to celebrate Turning the Tide, the inspiring story of the Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond’s remarkable response to the 2022 flood crisis. Written by local legend Col Lee OAM and journalist Christine McNeil, this book captures the resilience, compassion, and community spirit that turned tragedy into hope.

From coordinating disaster recovery to building temporary housing and hosting community events, Col and the Rotary team have exemplified the true meaning of “service above self.” Turning the Tide not only documents their incredible journey but also highlights the power of community-led action in the face of adversity.

Buy a copy for $20 via the Wardell CORE website. All profits will support the Ballina Hot Meal Centre and future community projects.

Let’s honour Col Lee and the Ballina Rotary team’s dedication by sharing this story far and wide. Together, we can inspire even more positive change.

👉 Order your copy now!

RSS Case Management

Tuesdays at Wardell CORE.

RSS case managers can assist you through the complex journey of disaster recovery including ; housing support/solutions, financial support, recovery plan

Paola from Uniting RSS is available at Wardell CORE on Tuesdays from 12-3. Call Wardell CORE on 0431 716 457 or drop in for an appointment.

Financial Counselling

Are you experiencing financial stress?

Contact Wardell CORE to make a free appointment with the team at Lismore & District Financial Counselling Service. Drop in or phone us on  0431 716 457.

Lismore & District Financial Counselling Service provides free, confidential financial counselling to people experiencing severe financial difficulties due to personal debt issues.

Services: Financial counsellors are qualified professionals who provide information, advice and advocacy to people in financial difficulty.

Advocacy Update: Supporting Key Inquiries

Last month, Wardell CORE contributed to two important parliamentary inquiries:

1. NSW Reconstruction Authority Act 2022 Review
Our submission highlighted the need for trauma-informed, community-centred, and sustainable approaches to disaster recovery. Key recommendations reflecting our input include embedding these principles in future reviews and improving collaboration between the NSW Reconstruction Authority and community service providers.

2. Inquiry into the prevalence, causes and impacts of loneliness in NSW
We joined LCSA in advocating for core funding for neighbourhood centres to address social isolation. With 14% of all submissions from LCSA members, our collective efforts emphasised the critical role of place-based organisations in fostering connection and wellbeing.

Wardell CORE remains dedicated to driving positive change for our community. Stay tuned for updates on these inquiries.

Spotlight on Murwillumbah CORE

Murwillumbah CORE is an inspiring volunteer-led group that, like Wardell CORE, shares our vision and values of community resilience, connection, and grassroots action. Born out of the 2022 floods, they quickly coordinated volunteers and donations to directly support locals in need.

Now focusing on preparedness and recovery, they continue to embody the power of community-led solutions, working tirelessly to build a stronger, more resilient Murwillumbah.

Discover more about their incredible work and our shared commitment to supporting our communities: Visit their website!