BELMONT Neighbourhood Centre was already a lively, popular oasis for the local community, but things are about to get even better.
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A new outreach program for people with an intellectual disability has been launched at the site to help those in need of extra assistance to become part of a wholesome community.
The neighbourhood centre has a popular men's shed and community garden where members can learn new skills and eat fresh food.
Federal member for Shortland Jill Hall launched the program on Friday and said she was looking forward to seeing Sunnyfield forge "the perfect partnership" with the Belmont Neighbourhood Centre and National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Caroline Cuddihy, the chief executive officer of Sunnyfield Disability Services, said clients would have the opportunity to learn to garden, cook healthy meals and potentially gain employment skills.
Sheena Harvey, the manager of the neighbourhood centre, said she was excited to be able to work with a like-minded organisation.
"We'll be able to make sure we're involving everyone in the community," she said.
Noel Date, a Bahtabah Local Aboriginal Land Council elder, said he spent quite a bit of time running cultural workshops and sharing his knowledge and skills with clients and visitors to the neighbourhood centre.
"I think this is going to be a fantastic start for a more personalised disability services in Lake Macquarie," he said.
"I'm looking forward to being involved with Sunnyfield through the Aboriginal land council."
Paul Brenton, a client of Sunnyfield and member of the neighbourhood centre, said he enjoyed the programs already in place and often went along to have a look at the garden.
"I did a cooking class over five weeks where I learnt how to cook healthy foods and what sort of ingredients are the best to use," he said.