Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre (TNC) is a welcoming community hub supporting individuals, families and carers across the Tomaree and Tilligerry Peninsulas. We deliver a wide range of programs and services that support the community holistically — building wellbeing, strengthening connection and reducing social isolation.
Our work includes early support for children, young people and families, alongside wellbeing, cultural, parenting and practical support programs that help people feel connected, supported and part of their community. Many of our programs are delivered under the Child and Family Support (CaFS) framework, focusing on early intervention, prevention and building resilience.
Programs & Servcies
Crisis Support & Emergency Relief (ERF)
Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre provides Emergency Relief and Crisis Support to community members living on the Tomaree and Tilligerry Peninsulas who are experiencing financial hardship.
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Emergency Relief Funding (ERF) is financial assistance, which we can usually provide in the form of grocery vouchers and fuel vouchers. Hardship assistance may also be available with electricity and gas bills, Hunter Water and Port Stephens Council rates, subject to eligibility.
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Depending on your situation, we can also let you know about other programs and local services which may be able to help.
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Appointments
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Appointments can only be made on Mondays and Wednesdays
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Appointments can be conducted in person or by phone
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Vouchers can be sent via email or collected in person from the office
Food Hampers
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Food hampers are available Monday to Friday
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Please contact (02) 4984 6220 to make an enquiry or appointment
*Restrictions apply.
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To enquire about emergency relief assistance please complete the fields below and upload the corresponding documents/photos.
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For food assistance please upload ID and Centrelink income statement.
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For assistance with bills please upload ID, corresponding bill and Centrelink income statement.
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Financial Counselling – Hunter Valley Project Inc
A qualified Financial Counsellor from Hunter Valley Project Inc provides free and confidential financial counselling at Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre.
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Financial counselling may assist if you are experiencing financial stress, debt, overdue bills, legal action, gambling concerns, or are considering bankruptcy.
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Hunter Valley Project Inc provides fortnightly outreach at TNC on Tuesdays.
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Financial counselling is a free and confidential service and is by appointment only.
To book an appointment, please call (02) 4933 8999.
Cultural Programs
Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre delivers inclusive cultural programs in partnership with Koori Colours Art Gallery, celebrating community, creativity and connection.
These programs support emotional wellbeing, cultural understanding, confidence and social inclusion through engaging activities such as art, storytelling, workshops and community events.
Cultural programs are delivered in local schools and community venues across the Tomaree Peninsula.
For upcoming cultural programs, please check our Facebook page for updates.
Mindful Me – Children’s Yoga, Mindfulness & Wellbeing Program (Ages 6–11) – 8 Weeks.
Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre offers Mindful Me, a free 8-week yoga, mindfulness and wellbeing program designed specifically for children aged 6–11 years. The program supports children’s physical, emotional and social wellbeing in a fun, supportive and engaging environment.
Sessions focus on gentle yoga therapy exercises, mindfulness, music and movement to help children build confidence, emotional regulation and resilience. The program supports stress reduction, improved sleep, positive thinking, social skills, focus and overall wellbeing.
Children are supported to develop coordination, balance, flexibility, concentration and self-awareness, while learning practical strategies they can use at home, school and in everyday life.
Participants receive take-home booklets and worksheets to help continue mindfulness and wellbeing practices beyond the sessions.
The next program will run in Term 2 from 7 May – 26 June.
The program is facilitated by Melanie Howlett from Mel’s Yoga.
To fill out an Expression of Interest, please click here.
For further enquiries, please email clare@tomareenc.org.au.
School Wellbeing Programs
Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre delivers school-based wellbeing programs designed to support the social, emotional and mental wellbeing of children and young people.
Programs are delivered in partnership with local schools and tailored to meet the needs of students, classrooms and school communities.
Sessions focus on building emotional awareness, self-regulation, resilience, confidence and positive relationships in a safe and supportive learning environment.
For current or upcoming school wellbeing programs, please check our Facebook page or contact the Centre.
Mums Circle – Yoga & Mindfulness Program (6 Weeks)
Mums Circle is a free 6-week yoga and mindfulness program designed specifically for mums, supporting physical, emotional and mental wellbeing in a gentle, welcoming and supportive environment. The program runs each school term.
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Sessions are inclusive and accessible, focusing on relaxation, gentle movement, self-care, emotional regulation and stress reduction. The program provides mums with a safe space to slow down, reconnect with their bodies, and build practical wellbeing tools that can be used in everyday life.
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Mums Circle also supports connection with other mums, helping to reduce isolation and build a sense of community and support.
Morning tea is provided.
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The program is facilitated by Melanie Howlett.
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For enquiries or to express interest in upcoming Mums Circle programs, please email clare@tomareenc.org.au.
Parenting Programs
Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre partners with Samaritans and The Benevolent Society to deliver free, evidence-based parenting programs for parents and carers across the Tomaree Peninsula.
Programs may include:
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Circle of Security
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Bringing Up Great Kids
For upcoming parenting programs, please check our Facebook page for updates and registrations.
Cupcakes & Connections Workshops
Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre (TNC)’s Cupcakes & Connections workshops, facilitated by Alice’s Kitchen, are fun and engaging sessions designed to support social connection, skill development and wellbeing within the community.
Delivered at TNC and in local schools across the Port Stephens area, the workshops provide participants with practical information from Alice on baking cupcakes, along with hands-on guidance in piping and decorating techniques. These sessions support confidence building, social inclusion and opportunities for people to connect, learn new skills and feel part of a supportive community environment.
Participants can take their cupcakes home to enjoy themselves or share with family and friends - or stay for a cuppa with the group and enjoy them together.
Check out our Facebook page for upcoming events or email clare@tomareenc.org.au for more information.
Kids Cooking Workshops
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Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre (TNC) offers Kids Cooking Workshops designed to build practical life skills, confidence and social connection in a fun, supportive environment. These workshops are proudly coordinated and delivered by our dedicated TNC volunteers.
These hands-on workshops introduce children to basic cooking skills, food preparation, nutrition awareness and kitchen safety while encouraging teamwork, independence and creativity. Sessions support confidence building, social inclusion and opportunities for children to learn, connect and develop everyday skills they can use at home.
As part of the experience, children provide their parents or carers with a menu, help set the table, serve lunch and then share the meal together. This creates a special opportunity for family connection while giving children a strong sense of pride and achievement.
The workshops are delivered with a focus on wellbeing, participation and positive community connection, providing a welcoming space where children can learn new skills while having fun.
Please note these workshops are not held every school holidays.
Keep an eye on our Facebook page for upcoming sessions or email info@tomareenc.org.au for enquiries.
Volunteer Information Sessions
Volunteers are at the heart of Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre. Our Volunteer Information Sessions are held on the last Tuesday of each month and provide information about volunteering at TNC, including available roles, expectations and training.
Sessions also provide information about other volunteer opportunities within the local community.
Bookings are essential.
Please contact the Centre on (02) 4984 6220 to book a place.
Computer Tutoring
TNC provides one-on-one and small group computer tutoring to support digital literacy. Sessions assist community members to build confidence using computers, mobile devices and online services, helping to reduce digital exclusion.
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Computer tutoring is held on Tuesdays by appointment only.
To make an enquiry or book an appointment, please phone (02) 4984 6220.
Tomaree Community Information Book
TNC produces the Tomaree Community Information Book, a locally focused resource designed to help community members easily find information about services, supports and organisations available across the region.
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The book is available for purchase for $5, with all funds going directly back into supporting the local community through TNC programs and services.
TNC's Kindness Trolley
TNC's Kindness Trolley is a monthly community support initiative run by Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre and delivered by our dedicated volunteers.
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Held out the front of Coles Salamander Bay, the TNC's Kindness Trolley is made possible through the generosity of the local community and Coles Salamander Bay. Community members are invited to purchase and donate one extra item, such as non-perishable food items, toiletries and cleaning products, which are then distributed by TNC to community members in need.
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The program supports people with dignity, helps ease cost-of-living pressures, and strengthens community connection while reducing social isolation.
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To find out the date of the next TNC's Kindness Trolley, please check out our Facebook page for updates.
Tomaree Interagency
TNC facilitates the Tomaree Interagency, bringing together local services and organisations to collaborate, share information, identify gaps and strengthen referral pathways.
The Interagency meets on the first Tuesday of the even months, 9:30am–11:00am.
For enquiries, please email clare@tomareenc.org.au.
Our Services
Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre offers a range of affordable services to support our community with everyday needs. Whether you need to print a document, access a computer, or become part of our community through membership, we’re here to help.
All services are available to both members and the general public.
Computer & Office Services
Computer / Internet Use
• $4 per hour
Photocopying
• A4 Black & White – 25c per copy
• A4 Double-Sided (Black & White) – 50c per copy
• A4 Colour – 65c per copy
• A4 Colour Double-Sided – $1.30 per copy
• A3 Black & White – 45c per copy
• A3 Colour – 95c per copy
Scan to Email
• 50c per scan
Binding
• $4 per comb
Laminating
• A4 – $2.50 per sheet
• A3 – $5 per sheet
• Business Card Size – $1.00 each
Membership
Becoming a Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre member is a great way to stay connected and support the work we do in the community. Membership helps us continue providing programs, services and support to local individuals and families.
Membership Fees
• Organisation Membership – $10 per financial year
• Individual Membership – $7 per financial year
Membership Benefits
• Reduced rates for selected TNC services
• Eligibility to nominate for the Board of Management
• Connection to a welcoming and supportive community