COMMUNITY SERVICES TO REMAIN AT NORTH HEAD SANCTUARY
COMMUNITY SERVICES TO REMAIN AT NORTH HEAD SANCTUARY
Friday, August 3rd, 2018
Member for Manly James Griffin and Minister for Disability Services Ray Williams announced three residential properties at North Head Sanctuary will not be leased as private rentals whilst a plan for long term community use is developed by local charity and not-for-profit organisations.
Mr. Williams presented Community Northern Beaches with a grant for $15,000 to cover the costs associated with the properties, which are owned by the Harbour Trust, whilst the business case is developed.
Mr. Griffin thanked both Mr. Williams for his support in securing the funding and the CEO of the Harbour Trust, Mary Darwell, for the Harbour Trust’s support while he worked towards securing a long term community model for the site.
“In the past these three properties have been vitally important in providing respite for carers of family and friends with mental illness, and it is equally important that we retain them for community use and maintain respite services here on North Head,” Mr Griffin said.
“With Community Northern Beaches, carers and other community services– we will work over the next three months to develop a business case and long term model for the future use of these properties, to ensure they stay in the community’s hands.”
Mr. Griffin was initially approached by carers who had used respite services historically located at the site at North Head, who requested Mr Griffin to step in and approach community service providers to develop a solution to ensure the continued provision of community services.
The properties – on Saint Barbara’s Avenue on North Head – were formerly managed as respite for carers of family and friends with mental illness by One Door Mental Health.
“There was no way I was prepared to let these properties go and I am grateful to the Harbour Trust for being such good partners and allowing us time to develop a proposal to continue providing these vital services, including respite for carers of family and friends with mental illness.”
Mr. Williams congratulated the community on coming together to work on a business case and long term model for the site.
“This is a perfect example of community organisations and volunteers coming together to retain the services we need in our local communities,” Mr Williams said.
“I look forward to seeing the business case progress and where the NSW Government may be of assistance here at North Head in the future.”
Mary Darwell, Harbour Trust CEO said the Harbour Trust is pleased to be involved in the partnership.
“The Harbour Trust will continue to work with Mr Griffin to identify a mix of appropriate uses across the site as we continue to make North Head Sanctuary accessible to the community,” Ms Darwell said.
Community Northern Beaches will work with other community organisations, including an army of local volunteers, over the next three months to develop a viable long term proposal for the site.