On Friday afternoon, 1st August the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre celebrated the official opening of their new premises the “HUB” in McIlwraith St.  The opening was an opportunity for staff, management and volunteers of HCSC to gather together to celebrate their achievement in purchasing and renovating a flood free premises to conduct their critical services.  Sponsors who contributed to the project were invited to share the celebration with Senator Matthew Canavan, representing Minister Warren Truss, Infrastructure and Regional Development, the Honourables Bob Katter MP and Andrew Cripps MP, Mayor Rodger Bow and Lyn McLaughlin from Regional Development Australia.  After the formal proceedings, guests were invited to cut the ribbon and join in a celebratory photo and the cutting of the cake.  The diversity of people in attendance reflected the impact that HCSC has on our community:  “always there, caring and connecting”. 

SLIDESHOW: we have certainly come a long way and it was fantastic to be able to showcase our achievements to visiting dignitaries and local community members.  

On Sunday 29th June 2014 it was Shut Up & SKATE workshop!! This event  was held at the Ingham Skate-park, and Tips, Tricks and Tunes were shared.  This event was organised collaboratively by the Hinchinbrook Shire Council and the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre.  We were lucky enough to have Donny Fraser (founder of the organisation Drawing Boards) attend Ingham with a professional BMX rider and a pro skater.  The guys displayed their own talent at the park and also provided hands on support to everyone who was brave enough to give it a go!  Music added to the atmosphere on the day, with local electronica DJ – Emilie playing his tunes.  We were also very lucky to have the Ingham Scouts group prepare the sausage sizzle and sell cold drinks.

Donny Fraser gave away piles of DVDs and skateboards to lucky participants on the day.  The Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre also provided 4 scooters and helmets to 4 lucky participants in a random draw.  An additional scooter/helmet was given to a young person who showed the best “park etiquette”. 

This event was promoted in the school holidays information flyers distributed by the Council.

2014 will be a significant year for the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre as we open the doors of a new building and begin a new chapter in our life as providers of key services in our community.
In 2013, the acquisition of the old Forestry Building in McIlwraith street marked the first page in this chapter of change. An enormous amount of planning and organizing has occurred behind the scenes, and over the past months the HCSC Social Enterprise Team have worked hard to give the building a much needed face-lift.
Importantly, services will be provided from both buildings. In particular, all bookings for the "Out and About Bus", including departures for Townsville, will remain at the HCSC Centre where senior and youth groups will also continue to use the community room.  Visiting services from Townsville will operate from both buildings whilst Emergency Relief food support, Emergency and Long Term Accommodation, Domestic Violence support, and Youth services will be available at the new HCSC HUB.
For all enquiries please contact HCSC staff on 4776 1822.
                                                 Come and visit our new building: The HUB

The Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre celebrated Seniors Week this year in July with a morning tea held at the Centre.  There was a wide range of entertainment available to over 30 seniors who attended.  The purpose of Seniors Week was to celebrate the contribution of our seniors in our community.