Community Northern Beaches (CNB) is one of three long established community groups that recently learnt their Council funding is being cut to zero over the next three years.
*since publication, Northern Beaches Council has reversed this decision – funding will remain in place.
Considering how crucial their role is on the Beaches, we wanted to know more about what they do, how they do it, and ways this funding gap can be filled for a sustainable future. Daniel Fields, Head of Growth and Fundraising at Community Northern Beaches answers our questions.
What is Community Northern Beaches?
Community Northern Beaches is a not-for-profit organisation that has supported vulnerable and at-risk people within the Northern Beaches LGA since 1977. We help people in crisis and focus on prevention, often being the first point of contact for people who are experiencing
- homelessness
- domestic and family violence
- and refugee settlement challenges
Importantly, we also focus on targeted early intervention with families, youth and children to make the biggest difference early on. Our desire is to build connections, strengthen community and foster future well-being.
How does Community Northern Beaches operate?
Community Northern Beaches operates a drop-in centre and offices in Manly, and a facility in Brookvale. These centres exist so people in the community who have needs or may have fallen through the cracks can drop in for food, clothing, coffee, or just to have a chat. Referrals come from Council, GP’s or other services. We have a team of volunteers available to address immediate needs, or to refer people to professional community support workers. The community support workers can work more deeply with people with complex needs to provide essential services.
What problems are you solving?
The biggest problem is connection to the community and to foster well-being. While those problems may present themselves as homelessness, domestic and family violence, refugee resettlement, and even food and clothing needs, we also work to proactively address community concerns with family and youth early intervention and fostering connection and well-being.
What are your biggest challenges?
Funding. It’s a constant struggle to ensure we have the resources we need to meet crucial needs and to deliver crucial support to vulnerable people in the community. Government funding is unstable, and we rely on the kindness of individuals and businesses on the Beaches as well.
And what are your greatest triumphs?
- Assisting people like *Samantha who escaped abuse in another community, land in Manly only to fall into a sex trafficking ring, and then she finds us, and we can help her with food and accommodation.
- When we encounter people like *Jimmy who was sleeping rough on the Beaches for 30 years, and we treat him as a human, build trust and eventually work with him to find independent housing.
- Being able to help people like *Amy whose husband was siphoning off money and abusing her and we were able to help her and her children with their financial needs and safe housing. *Names changed for privacy
Any advice for Tawny readers going through a challenging time themselves?
Connect with us online at cnb.org.au, call us on (02) 9977 1066, or come by our drop-in centre at 52 Raglan St, Manly, right across from Manly Oval. If we don’t have the in-house services to help you, we’ll work to find others in the community who can.
How can Tawny readers contribute to Community Northern Beaches?
With Council funding being cut, our biggest need in addition to advocating to Council, is your own donation and energy.
- Consider a one-time or subscription donation at cnb.org.au/donate
- Join one of our regular fundraising events which will always be shared via the Community Northern Beaches website cnb.org.au and social media channels @communitynorthernbeaches
- Let us know what fundraising events we can participate in by emailing info@cnb.org.au
Further reading
Head here to read more about Community Northern Beaches fantastic initiatives covered by The Tawny Frogmouth