Community Networks/LINK at the Wānaka Community Hub
It can be confusing, we know, but Community Networks/LINK and the Wānaka Community Hub are two organisations with a very close relationship.
Community Networks/LINK are one of the main tenants of the Wānaka Community Hub, with our front desk, Foodbank and offices all based here at 34 McDougall Street. We work closely with our landlords, the Hub, and our fellow tenants to make this beautiful space an integral part of the Wānaka community. This month, we’re highlighting what the Wānaka Community Hub is all about – and what some of the other services available in the building can offer.
The Wānaka Community Hub is governed by the Wānaka Community House Charitable Trust, with a purpose to provide facilities that foster, promote, facilitate and encourage the provisions of community services for the people of Wanaka and surrounding districts. Since opening in November 2019, the Hub has provided a cooperative working space to a number of health and social services for the Upper Clutha community, as well as offices, meeting rooms, a commercial kitchen and an auditorium for events, meetings and exhibitions across all sectors – all surrounded by rotating art exhibitions from the Wānaka Arts Society.
The team at the Hub includes Alicia Jaiko, Hub Manager, and Jan Ballam and Marieke Miller as Hub Coordinators. Alicia says: “We are so fortunate to work in collaboration with such amazing and supportive organizations and people. The Hub is always buzzing with community groups and meetings. Every day is different here and we are continuously in awe of the new community initiatives that are formed under our roof”.
A special date in in the Hub calendar – the annual Wānaka Children’s Spectacular Easter Egg Hunt – is coming up on Saturday, April 8 from 10.00am – 12.00pm. This year’s event will be a koha entry with the proceeds going to KidsCan, supporting families affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. Numbers for this popular event are limited, so it’s best to register by popping into the Hub or calling 03 443 2071, or emailing info@wanakacommunityhub.org.nz.
Community Networks/LINK is the Upper Clutha’s one stop community support and connection centre. When you walk in to see us at the Hub, we aim to connect you to the support you need right away. Whether it’s a JP appointment, financial advice or support from a social worker, our services and those of our Hub neighbours – such as Cancer Society, Anglican Family Care, Central Lakes Family Services and Family Works – are here to help.
More about some of them next week.
