23 September 2024

WRF delivers essential services to the community of Warrawong and beyond, offering support for vulnerable families and connections to food relief, crisis housing and health services. It is estimated that through the WRF each week around 1000 kilograms of food is provided to struggling families and vulnerable people in the area.

Warrawong Community Centre, located in Greene Street, will soon be demolished to make way for the new Southern Suburbs Community Centre and Library.

This funding will ensure WRF is able to continue to support the community at a temporary shopfront on King St, Warrawong, while the new centre is being built.

The new community centre and library is expected to open in 2026.

Warrawong is one of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities in New South Wales. This funding will allow the continuity of critical services in the area.

In November 2023, Member for Wollongong Paul Scully secured $70,000 in funding to enable WRF to continue delivering their free community lunch program.

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Inclusion, Kate Washington said:

“The NSW Government is delivering this funding lifeline so that the Warrawong Resident’s Forum can continue to deliver its critical services.”

“I’m grateful to the wonderful team at the WRF for the vital support they provide to children and families who need it the most.”

“This funding will enable WRF to maintain essential programs that make a real difference in people’s lives."

Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully said:

“It is great to know that children and families in the local community will continue to have access to essential services in their times of need.

“Services like the Warrawong Residents Forum are important so that people know that help is always at hand.

“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring that this vital service can continue to have a presence in the local community during some tough times for many families.”

Ash Castro, Manager Warrawong Residents Forum said:

"These funds will allow us to continue offering our vital and sensitive services, ensuring that Warrawong remains a secure base for those who need it most."

“Whilst we need to make some adjustments in our service delivery, we won’t have to compromise on quality, dignity and safety.

“This is a great sign of respect to the community, they are seen, they are valued, they are worthy.”