Mr Scully said the kitchen upgrade would be funded through the NSW Government Local Small Commitments Allocation Program.

Berkeley Neighbourhood Centre Manager, Maria Di Carlo and her team are committed to providing a safe space and positive support for people within the local area, whilst also enriching their lives and creating a sense of community and connection.

The Centre is always a hive of activity, hosting a number of regular local community programs, activities, social inclusion and multicultural groups, children’s playgroups and so much more.

The kitchen, which is the Centre’s hub and imperative to its operations is in dire need of an upgrade.

The $30,000 funding boost will see the kitchen, attached to the community hall, receive a much-needed makeover, with new modern appliances, to ensure that all groups within the community are catered for.

Quotes attributable to Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully:

“Berkeley is one of the more vulnerable communities in Wollongong.

“The Berkeley Neighbourhood Centre kitchen is in desperate need of a kitchen upgrade to continue to provide the healthy eating programs that the Centre delivers.

“Maria Di Carlo and the team at the Berkeley Neighbourhood Centre do such important work within this community, and it’s great to able to give back to them to help them to do even more.”

Maria Di Carlo, Operations Manager, Berkeley Neighbourhood Centre, said:

“This will allow us to improve the centre’s kitchen to cater for more and diverse groups.

“It will also allow us to host smaller groups while providing the facilities people need.”