THE drive for more members of the Shoalhaven Neighbourhood Services was on the agenda at a special function at the Bomaderry Bowling Club on Thursday night as the organisation looks to the future.
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Shoalhaven Neighbourhood Services (SNS) has gained accreditation to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), launched its new website and in partnership with local businesses will launch a members’ rewards card in recognition of the valuable contribution volunteers and members make to the organisation.
President Greg McLeod said without members and volunteers the organisation would not survive.
“Without members we cannot convene a board of management and therefore operate as a community organisation,” he said.
“Similarly, we needed to be accredited with the NDIS to be able to help people with disabilities.
“We had to undertake the quality assurance accreditation process, which was conducted by an independent auditor, to verify that our organisation is operating at a level that meets the NSW Disability Standards.
“That was a huge undertaking and full credit to Margaret Semkiw, who is the co-ordinator of Neighbourhood Aid, for ensuring that happened.”
Mr McLeod said the organisation had operated since 1977 and through its volunteers in particular had been able to provide a lot of support programs within the Shoalhaven.
“We also act as a referral service for other services within the area for people who are vulnerable or disadvantaged,” he said.
While the service has 12 employees it relies heavily on its members and volunteers and Mr McLeod said the establishment of a rewards card system, which will be supported by local businesses, was a way of saying thank you.
“Our membership can also contribute to our future planning,” he said.
The members’ rewards cards will be available after the organisation’s annual general meeting on October 26.
Membership costs $5.
Co-ordinator Judith Reardon said members helped in significant planning processes last year with one outcome being the new website.
“The website, designed by Andrew Kristoffersen, is more informative and celebrates our community partnerships and achievements,” Ms Reardon said.
“As an organisation we truly value our NDIS certification. It symbolises the quality of service provision is high on our agenda and gives consumers, stakeholders and the community confidence in our organisation knowing that we operate in a fair and open manner and that clients are treated with dignity and respect.”
You can check out the service’s new website at www.sns.org.au