Jumbunna Community Hub reveal first development plans in Casino

A community leader has expressed her joy that plans for a new healthcare facility are gaining momentum. Here’s why she says the new hub will be so important.

A new proposed community hub that will specialise in disability and allied health services could change the face of Casino healthcare.

A $1.3 million development has been lodged with Richmond Valley Council on behalf of not-for-profit community organisation Jumbunna.

Planning documents reveal the hub will coexist with the High St Jumbunna childcare centre however will operate separately.

“The proposed development will be known as Jumbunna Community Hub and will assist in the continued provision of community services,” the report reads.

“The hub will primarily be for the provision of NDIS services, however, will also provide opportunity for allied health services such as therapy to be provided to the community.”

First looks at a proposed Jumbunna community hub. Picture: AGS Commercial

Jumbunna general manager Karen McDermott said the development was an “exciting” opportunity for the volunteer-based committee and the Casino community.

“We have outgrown our current facilities and needed more room, especially for therapy,” she said.

“As we are a community organisation we thought the hub would be an opportunity for not only Jumbunna to grow but to create a safe environment where children and families and access the services they need.

“We have seen gaps in the services available for our families and hope to be able to fill some of them.”

The project has been in the works for a while here, with community leaders pictured here when the announcement was first made.

The organisation was supported by the Casino Food Co-op who donated land towards the project.

At the time of its announcement, it was heralded by MPs as increasing employment opportunities.

First looks at a proposed Jumbunna community hub. Picture: AGS Commercial

Ms McDermott said, if approved, the organisation was hoping to have the hub built this year and in use by early 2023.

“The new hub will provide an opportunity to bring more services to Casino for families, such as behavioural supports, visiting paediatricians and other much needed supports,” she said.

“It will also provide a space for community meetings and events.”

The proposal is on public exhibition until March 1, available here.