Rekindling the Spirit, an Aboriginal health service hit hard by the 2022 floods, has opened a new flood-resilient building in Lismore. The $4.4 million facility will offer health, mental health, counselling and social support services that were disrupted by the floods. Funding came from the Australian and NSW governments through the Aboriginal Owned Assets Program. A separate $2.4 million grant is rebuilding the service's existing site on Uralba Street, which is due to finish later this year. Chief executive Chris Binge said the project represents more than 35 years of advocacy by the Widjabul Wia-bal community.
Logan residents can meet local aged care, disability support, community service and health providers at a free Care & Lifestyle Expo. The event runs from 10am to 1pm on Tuesday 3 November at the Logan Reserve Community Centre in Chambers Flat. Organised by the Birch Foundation, it brings together service providers, charities, allied health professionals and community groups. Birch Foundation managing director Shone Benjamin says the aim is for people to see available services face to face. Exhibitor fees will support the charity's ongoing programs.
The City of Maribyrnong has adopted its 2025/26 Annual Report, which covers council performance from July 2025 to June 2026. Council completed 81 per cent of its 52 action plan items, with a further 12 per cent substantially complete. It delivered $54.50 million in capital and improvement works, including the RecWest and Shorten Reserve redevelopment and the Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre waterslide and splash park. Council recorded a $12.29 million surplus, although its adjusted underlying result was a $6.57 million deficit.
AU Now app
Your suburb’s news, alerts and Shorts — in one app
Alerts, Shorts and your saved stories — free on Google Play.
Former rugby player Kristy Giteau is a finalist for Community Services Business Woman of the Year. She founded the charity Win the Day in 2019 after her daughter Ka'ili was diagnosed with Wilms tumour, a rare childhood kidney cancer. The charity helps families of children with rare cancers with accommodation, meals and emotional support. Giteau has raised more than $5 million and supported over 560 families. The winner is to be announced at the Canberra Women in Business Gala Awards on Friday night.
Tropical Vets will visit Hope Vale in early November to carry out dog treatments and desexing. Desexing is scheduled for Tuesday 3 November and Wednesday 4 November, while dog treatments and desexing will take place on Thursday 5 November. Owners must register their dogs before the visit, either by phone or in person at the council office on Muni Street. No registration means no services, and booking early is the only way to secure a spot.
The City of Whittlesea has endorsed its Annual Report 2025-2026, which outlines the projects and services delivered over the last financial year. Council worked on more than 130 infrastructure projects under an $87 million capital works program. Major works included the Aboriginal Gathering Place, the Granite Hills Major Community Park and the murnong Community Centre in Donnybrook. Council also consulted residents on more than 50 projects and provided $1.8 million in community grants.
Older people in Geelong can explore local services, make social connections and learn about dementia at a free expo next week. The Changing Mind & Positive Ageing Expo will bring together almost 40 local organisations and community groups as part of Victorian Seniors Month. Held at the Geelong Bowls Club on Friday 23 October from 10.30am to 2.30pm, it will cover healthy ageing, legal rights, volunteering and support services. Four speakers will present on ageing, dementia, wellbeing and social connection. Tickets are available through Trybooking.
A former Gordon student has secured a job in community services after completing a work placement through the institution's Community Services program. Aleah Doyle is now a support coordinator with Access Your Supports, having gained practical experience and industry connections during her placement. The program combines classroom learning with real-world experience, with students undertaking placements at local organisations. The Gordon's work placement liaison officer Laura Jordan said placements help students develop industry-ready skills and build professional networks, with many students gaining references, ongoing volunteering opportunities and employment.
Advocates warn that small-town post offices need protection as ageing licensees and shifting community needs threaten their future. A Senate inquiry into Australia Post's retail network will report back this month. In Tarpeena, South Australia, the local post office closed in 2022, leaving the nearest one 20 kilometres away. Licensed post offices make up about two-thirds of the network, and 38 per cent of their owners are aged 60 or older. Australia Post says it is committed to serving regional communities and is reviewing the LPO model with licensees.
A disability expo in Mandurah will bring more than 100 organisations together on Friday, October 16, to help people with disability and their families. Held from 10am to 2pm at the Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre, the free event covers housing, education, employment, advocacy and community services. The expo aims to help people with disability keep living in the Peel region as its population grows, with about 444,000 people projected to live there by 2050. Organisers say the event has grown from 17 exhibitors in two classrooms in 2016 into one of the region's largest disability information events.
The federal government will invest $630 million to give workers in health, disability and community services fairer pay. The move follows a Fair Work Commission finding that these industries were undervalued because of gender-based assumptions. The money will go to more than 128,000 charities and not-for-profit organisations that deliver government programs, to fund wage increases. Government-funded workers in housing, youth services and community development will also benefit. Gender Equality Minister Katy Gallagher said the move helps recognise work done mainly by women.
The Liberal Party has pledged $30,000 to complete the fit-out of the Lazarus Community Centre's new Myers Street facility in Geelong, should it win the state election. Liberal member for Western Victoria Bev McArthur announced the commitment on Saturday. The money would buy office furniture, dining tables, chairs and outdoor seating to finish a redevelopment that has taken more than four years. McArthur said the centre supports up to 80 people a day. The expanded site, about three times its previous size, offers showers, laundry, meals and social support seven days a week.
South Burnett CTC has officially opened a $3.96 million redevelopment in Somerset Street, Kingaroy. The project was funded partly by a $1.98 million Federal Government grant, which CTC matched dollar-for-dollar. Staff moved into the new offices on September 7, 2026. The expansion includes four single-storey buildings, connected walkways, landscaping and a sealed 34-space car park. CTC chief executive Jason Erbacher said the company now employs nearly 300 people and that further stages could follow on the site.
