Editors’ note: Images including artists’ impressions available to download here
TODAY marks a good day in Lismore with the opening of the new purpose-built community services hub in Goonellabah.
The new building brings together staff from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), Homes NSW, and Youth Justice, enabling better family and community support across government services.
These essential services need to be on deck and available at all times – none more so than DCJ if we have a crisis or natural disaster, as the lead agency to establish and operate evacuation centres. The new purpose-built office will allow local staff and caseworkers to return from temporary sites, where they have often worked from cars and home, as well.
The NSW Government has already opened three other government offices in Lismore as part of the recovery effort:
- 17 Conway Street, opened August 2024
- 214 Molesworth Street, opened October 2024
- 21 Conway Street, opened November 2024
Together, these facilities restore permanent infrastructure for government operations in the Northern Rivers, supporting the ongoing delivery of vital services to local communities.
Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington, said:
“This new office brings together key workers from across community services, providing more coordinated support, and fostering greater collaboration and partnerships between agencies.
“We are deeply committed to ensuring the people of Lismore and the wider Northern Rivers region continue to receive the support they need to rebuild, recover, and thrive.
“I want to acknowledge and thank our local staff who have continued to deliver essential community services since the flood, often in difficult circumstances from temporary, demountable offices. This new hub is all about supporting the community, as well as our essential frontline workers.”
Minister for Youth Justice, Jihad Dib, said:
“The new hub strengthens our commitment to providing young people with the guidance and services they need to avoid further disadvantage.
“We are ensuring youth justice workers can work more efficiently to deliver responsive support for young people who need it most.”
Minister for Recovery, Minister for the North Coast and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:
“As the local member, I want to thank all the local people who have had to engage with and visit DCJ, Homes NSW and Youth Justice, as I know it wasn’t always easy. I also want to acknowledge and thank the frontline DCJ, Homes NSW and Youth Justice staff who’ve worked through difficult conditions to keep services running.
“Today’s opening gives the staff and caseworkers a permanent base so that they can continue to do what they do well, and that is serve our community members when some are at their most vulnerable.
“After everything our people have been through, it is good to see that the government has built back better facilities and it signifies a strong government presence in Lismore.”
Photo: Pictured shortly after the plaque unveiling were, from left, DCJ Executive Director Katherine Tolner, DCJ Executive District Director Nicola Jeffers, Minister for Recovery, Small Business and the North Coast Janelle Saffin, Minister for Families and Community Services Kate Washington, and DCJ Deputy Secretary Lauren Dean.
