New community centre based at Umina school

A new community centre for all families with children up to 8 years will open in Umina on Monday, July 19.

The Umina Schools as Community Centre (SaCC) will offer a range of activities and group programs "to promote healthy, happy families and to give children a positive start to school".

Umina SaCC facilitator Ms Debbie Notara said the centre would involve community members in the planning and provision of activities.

"We work in partnership with other services and the community to support families with activities and information.

"There are 36 SaCCs in NSW, five of which are on the Central Coast."

Umina SaCC is only one on the Peninsula.

"Given the huge numbers of children under 8 years on the Peninsula, Umina SaCC will provide an ideal resource and meeting point for parents, grandparents and carers," she said.

The Umina SaCC is a Families First project supported by the NSW Departments of Education, Health, Community Services and Housing.

"We have a fantastic large demountable building in the grounds of Umina Public School where different community, health and education services will run parenting programs, supported playgroups, fathering workshops, TAFE outreach courses, support groups for mums who are pregnant or who have toddlers and Koori immunisation clinics," Ms Notara said.

There will also be some one-off special events such as Grandfriends' Day where seniors will be encouraged to become more involved in schools.

There will be childcare provided at the centre for many of the groups with parents asked to make a gold coin donation.

Umina SaCC's pamphlet and program for Term 3 is now available.

With enquiries, telephone Debbie Notara on 4343 1929 or 0439 003 074.

Email, June 21 Debbie Notara, Umina SaCC