Soundproofing of private spaces, improved access and electrical upgrades are just some of the improvements made to The Ulverstone Neighbourhood House (UNH) which held its official re-opening in May 2021.

The $265,000 upgrade has been funded by the Tasmanian Community Fund as well as Neighbourhood Houses Tasmania, the Department of Communities and in-kind contributions from the community.

Simon Douglas, UNH Manager said the infrastructure upgrade will create private, safe and more functional indoor and outdoor spaces for the community and service providers to access.

“We are often the first point of call for vulnerable community members, providing information, support and emergency relief,” Mr Douglas said.

“People need private spaces where they can feel safe in a non-threatening environment.”

“UNH collaborates with up to 20 services per month and we all recognised that our facilities needed upgrading to better service our community with more private spaces and access.”

“After many months of work, including planning, the physical renovations and refurbishment we are very excited to have the official reopening today,” he said.

TCF Chair Sally Darke said the Central Coast area needed more spaces where people can safely access help.

“With services on the North West Coast typically located in Devonport or Burnie, these important upgrades clearly meet the needs for the Central Coast community,” Ms Darke said.

“We know that difficulty accessing transport is a major issue for many in rural and regional communities, and we know the work of places like UNH keep communities connected.”

“By renovating the facility and increasing useable space, it will also allow more services to use the facility, further benefiting community,” Ms Darke said.