History
The Community Support Centre has a proud
record of serving the Innisfail community for more than
30 years, providing information, support, counselling and
community development.
The Centre officially opened on
16 October 1975 as the Community Advice and Information
Centre. The Johnstone Shire Council offered the use of
rooms in the Innisfail School of Arts building, where we
are still situated today.
The Centre was initially staffed
by voluntary Information Officers. The Centre became an
Incorporated Association in 1983. In December 1997 the
Centre changed its name from Community Advice and Information
Centre to Community Support Centre Innisfail Inc.
Organisational Structure
As a community based Incorporated Association the Centre
is managed by a voluntary Management Committee which is
elected each year at an Annual General Meeting. Only members
can vote at the Annual General Meeting, or be nominated
for a position on the Committee. Membership of the organisation
is open to anyone who wishes to apply. Please contact our
Administration Officer for application forms or further
information.
Centre Reception is staffed primarily
by a group of wonderful volunteers. Many dedicated people
volunteer at the Community Support Centre in various capacities
including administration, reception, development of periodicals
and newsletters, assisting with program delivery, supporting
community members and Tax Help.
Through funding from the
Queensland Department of Communities and donations the
Centre today employs a paid Manager, Administration/Finance
Officer, Community Support Worker, Family Support Worker,
Child Sexual Assault Counsellor and Hmong Liaison Officer.
As a funded service we have reporting obligations to the
Department of Communities and act in accordance with the
Standards for Community Services. The support provided by
the Department of Communities allows the Centre to offer
most of its services free of charge.
Our Practice
The Centre
responds to the needs of individuals and families who are
experiencing difficulties in their lives - by delivering
professional counselling, advocacy and family support services.
In addition, the Centre works to prevent individual and social
problems by increasing opportunities for social participation,
providing community education and easy access to other services
and resources.
Our prevention strategies aim to develop
social capital by promoting protective factors, such as
social connectedness and meaningful participation, which
are known to contribute to individual and community wellbeing.
By providing access to information and community education
the Centre reduces the prevalence, and/or impact, of risk
factors, such as domestic violence, child abuse, homelessness
and isolation, which reduce quality of life for individuals
and families.
The Centre is a non-sectarian organisation
that aims to be accessible to all sectors of the community
within the Innisfail district. We are committed to social
justice principles of equality, participation, access and
equity and we subscribe to State and Commonwealth legislation
embodying those principles (e.g. Anti-Discrimination Laws).
Community Support Centre Innisfail Inc
is committed to excellence in:
- Reliable community Service
- Quality and continuous improvement
- Inclusive and non discriminatory team
work
- Making decisions transparently to ensure
accountability and financial stability
- Providing a safe,
caring environment built on trust
- Professional and respectful
interactions
