Manning Valley Neighbourhood Services Inc (MVNS) was established in 1981 as Wingham Information Centre. MVNS has provided the Greater Taree City Council area with information, referral and support services for the past 25 years - by community for community. The Neighbourhood Centre has been running a community market in Wingham for 18 years.

Download: A printable version of our brochure (PDF, 188KB) 

Our Vision

Our Vision is a joyous, diverse and inclusive community that celebrates its uniqueness and strengths.

Mission Statement

"Manning Valley Neighbourhood Services Inc. is a community development organisation that resources and empowers individuals, groups and the community in the Manning Valley and surrounding LGAs to address issues that affect them."

Who We Are:

1. We are a Neighbourhood Centre - a centre attached to a neighbourhood - we are an important part of the local community. Our main job is to know about the community and respond to the needs of local residents.
2. We respond to all residents in our locality - our main job is to know about the community and its diversity and respond to the needs of local residents. We are not just about one particular type of service or one target group, but about developing a strong community. We use both government funding and local resources, such as volunteers, to help others in the community.
3. We are a generalist organisation - we provide a core of basic information and support as well as a place to meet for anyone in the community. In addition, we provide a wide range of services (with some government funding), that reflect local needs. This makes us different from many other community organisations that may be set up to provide one specific service.
4. We are a community development organisation - we work with people in our local community to support them in meeting their needs and to empower them.
5. We are an independent community organisation - we have legal status as an Incorporated Association, which is owned and controlled by its local members. We choose to enter into contracts with government departments to deliver services.
6. We are run by a community management committee - made up of volunteers from the community. This provides connection and accountability to the local community.
7. We are flexible - because we are generalist, we can respond to an individual in a holistic way. We also can support people who do not fit other services.
8. We are part of a network - we interact with other community organisations operating in the same locality, often on joint projects.
9. We are a one stop shop - for community service information, support and referral.
   

Our Programs & Services

The Neighbourhood Centre runs a number of community focused projects and support services including:

• Emergency Relief Services
• Tax Help Program
• Information and Referral Services
• Court House Refreshments
• Women's Action Group
• Community Education
• Social Groups
• Volunteer Training
• Community Garden

Management & Funding

MVNS is managed by a voluntary committee of management who are elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The Manager and staff of the MVNS report to the Committee of Management. MVNS receives financial and in-kind support from a number of organisations and government departments.