- The Junction Neighbourhood Centre Inc
- contact@jnc.org.au
- 02 9349 8200
Community Information
Community Information
Support Lines
We were saddened to hear about the horrific incident at Westfield Bondi Junction on April 13.
The JNC team extends our sympathies to the families and friends of the victims and to those who were injured.
If you have graphic images or footage of the scene, please do not share these on social media so as not to increase the impact on others, especially vulnerable young people. Please share them just with Crimestoppers, as they may assist the investigation.
We know many, many people in our communities will be affected in different ways. Please reach out for support. You can access a list of support lines here.
JNC Directories
Our crisis assistance directory is regularly updated to reflect what is accessible to our local communities.
In our directories, you will find links to emergency assistance, family services, aged services, and mental health support.
For a general overview click here.
If you need assistance or can’t find what you are looking for, please contact our friendly team.
Phone (02) 9349 8200
Email: contact@jnc.org.au
Our Food Security Directory is regularly updated to reflect what is accessible to our local communities.
In this directory, you will find information on the food security services that are available in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs area.
For a general overview click here.
If you need assistance or can’t find what you are looking for, please contact our friendly team.
Phone (02) 9349 8200
Email: contact@jnc.org.au
Subscribe to our Families Newsletter
45 Years 45 Stories
2019 marked the 45th anniversary of the JNC and the team worked creatively to celebrate in a unique way that shared the meaning of what we are as an organisation. Over the past four and a half decades the JNC has had a strong connection to the local community. In 2019, we asked ourselves ‘what difference have we made?’.
To answer that question, we turned to our passionate staff, volunteers, and clients.
Check out JNCs 45 years, 45 stories and learn about the journey that we’ve been on.
#1 Jeanalyn story
I have been with The JNC’s Family Support program for over a year. Just over 12 months ago I gave birth to my first child. Being from overseas I had no family and only a few friends in Australia. I was a single mother and felt very much alone.
I was given The JNC’s number. I was more than pleasantly surprised at The JNC staff’s level of empathy, care and kindness.
They supported me and also referred me to a service where I was given clothes, pram, a bassinet, car seat, cot plus other baby items to get me started as a new mum.
I appreciate and thank The JNC for the guidance, advice and support they have shown and given me – the support needed to get through a difficult time in my life.
I am so glad I was given JNC’s number. I hope one day I can repay their kindness. Happy 45th Birthday JNC. I hope you have many more!
I hope one day I can repay their kindness.
#2 Lee’s story
“I have been volunteering at The JNC’s centre in Bondi Junction since 2015.
I look forward to Mondays, where anyone can pop in for a cuppa. There’s Gardening group and we colour in mandalas and play games.
I love Thursdays, when I have a Beading group. We have a singalong, discuss all sorts of things. Also Knitting group: we learn, have a laugh and great company!
I very much enjoy my work interacting with people of all sorts of ages, culture and stories. So much learning from each other and kindness and help from everyone, staff and volunteers!”
#3 Kevin’s story
“I am the volunteer Justice of the Peace for The JNC. I offer my regular Tuesday service at The JNC’s centre in Maroubra. For me, having meaningful work is very important. I have a double Master’s Degree in Accounting and Information Services, a Diploma in Counselling and a Diploma in Library Services. I was working with an FCPA qualification until I contracted a serious illness, with long term effects on my health. This impacted on my ability to find work. It’s very hard to get a job. Employers aren’t keen to employ people with a disability. But if I have a job I can find my value.
Volunteering with The JNC gives me a chance to meet people and contribute to the community. I can give value to the community. It gives me some purpose and keep me busy. It keeps me safe and I know someone will check on me if I don’t arrive at The JNC. And I feel part of the team. The staff make volunteers feel welcome. They provide resources and help me plan the day by telling me who has called about coming in.
#4 Tracey and Janice’s story
“I’m Tracey, on the right in the photo with my mum Janice. I didn’t know about the service and how many loving people there are at The JNC. But since I started with them, I’ve never looked back.
Before The JNC, I had to do the shopping every day, manage the trolley. We went out for family events, but not on outings. Now I go on outings with them and have the shopping service.
They encouraged us to use other services as well, to help with household duties and organisation. Mum comes out with me to the group outing and this has been wonderful for her as everyone is so nice and it gets her out of the house. We’ve made friends, and we know in 5 years’ time we’ll still be friends because they’re all nice people. The JNC means the world to me. Everybody treats me with dignity and is so kind.
Life is easier now. We feel a hundred per cent better.”
#5 Deanne’s story
“Volunteering has enabled me to connect directly to the community and hopefully help to make it a better place by offering help to people. At The JNC, I volunteer as an English Conversation Class tutor and with the Phone Support service. Phone support is for our older clients who access our social support service fortnightly, to ensure they have continuity of service weekly.
I feel truly appreciated by my English Conversation Class students. They constantly tell me that they are learning more English than ever and that they are having fun in class. Some members of the group cook treats for the class as they feel a sense of wellbeing and belonging. The feeling is very infectious; they feel positive and so do I. My phone support groups can be really distressing and also very uplifting. Some of the people I speak to haven’t had contact with another person for days and they are so appreciative to be heard.
#6 Theo’s story
Theo has been blind for five decades. He lives independently, and to support his independence he has accessed The JNC’s Individual Social Support service since April 2008. He is a keen cook and cooks regularly for his family and friends, goes for at least two walks a day with his guide dog, stays fits and eats well. Together with The JNC he does his shopping and banking, cooks, and cares for his dog.
Theo says, “The JNC’s social support service has been like manna from heaven, it facilitates my existence. It has given me lots of confidence and allows me to contribute to my own upkeep.”
#7 Shivagni’s story
Shivagni has been volunteering with The JNC since March, offering one-on-one tutoring as part of our Be Connected program to support people in gaining skills with their digital devices. She also volunteers with The JNC’s Aged Services. Shivagni says, “I tutor people on using their mobiles, laptops and computers.
Volunteering has helped me find in myself a person who can make a difference in sharing knowledge, helping people know more about technologies and changes in software. The most interesting part is hearing people share their stories and learning from them.”
#8 Hossein’s story
Hossein attends one of The JNC’s four English Conversation classes weekly. These popular classes are run by volunteers – Deanne, who featured in Story 5, is Hossein’s teacher.
Hossein says, “I come from Iran, where I was a teacher.
English has been very difficult for me. Then three years ago I started attending The JNC’s English conversation class.
It’s the best place for me. This is the first class where I can understand. My English has improved. I have learnt everything!
I enjoy coming here. They are very friendly at The JNC.”
#9 Ruth’s story
“I live in Coogee and have been in the Eastern Suburbs around 20 years. I’ve been volunteering at Centennial Park – weeding, planting. It’s such a beautiful space, a wonderful resource, and I love giving back to it. I love being outdoors, I walk every day. So about 18 months ago I joined The JNC as the Walking Group volunteer. I was looking for volunteer work and it seemed like my cup of tea.
Having the support of The Heart Foundation and The JNC makes it easy to run the group. The JNC offers a place the group can meet – in Maroubra on Tuesday mornings. They promote the group, and provide someone to help out. A lovely bunch of people attend. It’s been great to see our numbers grow steadily. I really love that the group is so multicultural; I think everyone in the group enjoys it. Everyone walks and talks to everyone, learns something.
#10 Trixie’s story
Trixie has been attending The JNC’s Monday Shopping Trip service since January 2018.
Trixie says, “I look forward to Mondays!
The shopping trip with The JNC is always enjoyable. It gets me out of the house and talking to other people.
My trip always includes going to a post office with the JNC staff member, who’s great company.”
#11 Wolf’s story
Wolf has volunteered with The JNC for 13 years with our one on one shopping service, shopping group,
brunch group, bus outings and gardening group – and as a handyman.
Wolf says, “I like meeting new people and helping one on one or in a group setting.
I like helping people. It helps them have a better life, and gives them and me a reason for getting up in the morning.
It helps me to be more compassionate and caring, helps me grow as a person, and makes me feel good about myself.”
#12 Genya’s story
For several years Genya has been consulting The JNC for advice on and support with her family situation.
Genya says, “I am the primary carer for two grandchildren who are now aged 10 and 11 years. My granddaughter has profound disabilities and requires 24/7 support.
The JNC provides very good support for my family problems. It means a lot to me.
Without this support it would be very hard.”
#13 Betty’s story
Betty has gone out with The JNC on social and shopping outings for the past 6 years. She says, “It gives me independence — without these programs I wouldn’t have the confidence to go out. The people that are involved in the program are all very helpful and respectful.”
#14 Linda’s story
Since April 2014, Linda has been volunteering with The JNC as an English Conversation Group tutor. Linda says, “Volunteering with The JNC helps me live my life more authentically and with a purpose that aligns with my passion and what I believe is important.
It gives me an insight into the needs of people in the community, especially those of migrants; a sense of fulfilment by giving and gaining deep human connection.
It allows me to bring my own personality into what I do, to develop new skills, discover abilities and try new initiatives.
A very positive feeling of being appreciated.”
#15 Nun’s story
Nun has been participating in JNC groups, and volunteered for The JNC in our Community Kitchen program. Nun says, “JNC has helped a lot with everything. When I have felt stuck, overwhelmed, JNC has made me feel good, empowered me to achieve things and move forward. JNC is like family.”
#16 Anne’s story
“Volunteering with The JNC has made a significant change in my life. When I retired I found time just dragged, but with volunteering my time just flies. My time spent with clients either in their home or on outings is very special; they all have such wonderful stories to tell and the enjoyment they get out of company is very special. I have had home visits with an author of children’s book who in later life became blind. She wanted to finish a story she had started many years ago and asked me if I would help her. We spent many hours at the computer with me transcribing her audio tapes and she completed the story 6 weeks before she passed away at the age of 95. My next client was also in her 90s and also partly blind; she used to like to go for drives to places she remembered and have me describing the scenery and changes that had taken place. She was especially fond of donuts so each fortnight we would have coffee and donuts. I’ve also spent many happy hours with a woman in her 90s, chatting about her early life in country NSW.
#17 Zoe’s story
Growing up in the eastern suburbs (Chifley) I wasn’t familiar with The JNC until I was introduced through the mother’s group I was attending with my son Leroy in 2012. When Barbara O’Neill from The JNC was a guest speaker at playgroup she asked if I was interested in participating in a series of workshops on learning how to start up your own business. After completing this program ‘Biz Sisters’ I am confident to say I am capable to one day start my own business. I was so pleased with the learning environment during the Biz Sisters program. The staff and students allowed me to bring along my young child while studying, with no judgement, and always supported me.
#18 Bruce’s story
Bruce has been volunteering with The JNC for 7 years , assisting in many areas – with phone support, individual social support and bus outings for older people, and with a monthly “Young at Heart” Barbeque.
Bruce says, “Volunteering is: Enjoyment in helping people. Giving back a little to society. Fun time with clients. Rewarding.”
#19 Mera’s story
Mera has been attending The JNC’s English conversation class for more than nine years. Mera says, “It was a very good and humane idea to set up the Junction Neighbourhood Centre 45 years ago. The JNC keeps people, especially emigrants, supported for many needs.The staff is friendly, respectful and attentive. They are ready to answer your questions and really help. It seems their goal is to make us happy. In the English Conversation class we learn English in a warm atmosphere. We have found friends here, and it decorates and enriches our life. Our brilliant teacher and friend involves us in current events, we’re interested in the history of Australia. And we are proud to be a part of Australian society.”
#20 Irene’s story
“About a year ago I moved to Australia from England to be with family. I had to leave behind my home, my relatives, and my lifelong friends.
I was very lonely.
And then I heard about The JNC, and I signed up for their social outings and individual social support. Now I’m busy, I’m active; despite mobility issues I can get out and about. I spend most weekdays seeing new places, meeting new people, developing new friendships, enjoying the company of the JNC staff.
I’ve settled in. The JNC has transformed my life.”
#21 Diana’s story
“About a year ago I moved to Australia from England to be with family. I had to leave behind my home, my relatives, and my lifelong friends.
I was very lonely.
And then I heard about The JNC, and I signed up for their social outings and individual social support. Now I’m busy, I’m active; despite mobility issues I can get out and about. I spend most weekdays seeing new places, meeting new people, developing new friendships, enjoying the company of the JNC staff.
I’ve settled in. The JNC has transformed my life.”contribute to my own upkeep.”
#22 Maria’s story
“I was looking forward to being retired, as I had plans for what I wanted to do: my bucket list included travels, hobbies, lunch with families and friends, etc. But what I did not realise was that being retired would also give me lots of time alone. I suddenly found myself in new territory with a lot of time pondering on my thoughts, and realised that I had lost the camaraderie of my workmates, colleagues and friends. Life was suddenly very slow, lonely, boring, repetitive and negatively overwhelming.
I have been a participant at the JNC Maroubra for a couple of years now and I am happy that this place exists. I have joined yoga, meditation and tai chi groups in the past and at present I am in the walking group with Ruth. I am looking forward to accessing more classes and activities run by them.
#23 Brian’s story
For well over ten years Brian has loved coming to The JNC every week because it gets him out of the house for a chat and cup of tea and a biscuit, and, as he says,“It’s fun!” Brian also enjoys The JNC’s Garden Walk & Talk in Bondi Junction every Monday afternoon.
#24 Sheila’s story
Sheila has been accessing The JNC’s social support service for older people for more than ten years. Sheila says, “It’s good we have people like The JNC. They’ve been getting me out and about since 2008. Without them I wouldn’t be able to do all the things I’ve been doing. I’m really happy.”
This photo shows Sheila receiving a raffle prize at one of The JNC’s social events for older people.
#25 Joanne’s story
Joanne has been a Tax Help volunteer with The JNC for 20 years. She says, “Being a Tax Help volunteer at JNC lets me use my skills and training to help clients meet their tax obligations. It keeps my brain active and keeps me in touch with people from many different backgrounds and walks of life. It gives me great satisfaction when a client says, ‘That’s a weight off my mind!’ or tells me how they’re going to spend their refund.
Many clients are like old friends now and I enjoy catching up with them. The JNC staff make me feel very welcome. I really enjoy doing Tax Help at JNC each week for three months every year!”
#26 Bruce’s story
Bruce goes out a couple of times a week with The JNC, accessing social support through our Aged Services. He says, “I am 92 years old and have lived alone in my home for several years. I no longer have friends visiting me, and spend my time reading or watching television.
I very much enjoy being picked up at my home and taken for lunch at various social clubs in Sydney. On these trips I meet other elderly people. I am also picked up and taken grocery shopping.”
#27 Ilda’s story
Since 2005 Ilda has volunteered in many areas of Aged Services, including exercise classes, social group outings, shopping support, and the monthly birthday celebration group in Glebe.
Ilda says, “Volunteering gives me the opportunity to be involved with clients’ needs and to meet new volunteers, and brings me happiness that I am able to help.”
#28 Kylie’s story
“I got to offer ideas and help with events and activities in my local area. We submitted a ‘My Community Project’ grant to promote the community room.
We got some renovations completed, and now the whole community of South Coogee can come together and build connections together.”
#29 Marlina’s story
Marlina attends The JNC’s English Conversation Class in Bondi Junction. Four classes are held weekly, two in Bondi Junction and two in Maroubra.
“The JNC is a not for profit organisation that provides a diverse range of community services. I get a lot of knowledge which I don’t get from other places.”
#30 Sharyn’s story
Sharyn has been a participant in The JNC’s Gathering the Dots program, and in the Creative Writing group.
“The JNC has gotten me out and about and reduced my isolation. It has enabled me to interact with other like-minded adults. It has helped me socially. I was so isolated, because I cared for my mum and didn’t socialise, and being a part of these groups has helped immensely.”
#31 Anne’s story
Anne has been attending The JNC’s knitting group since mid-2018.
“The knitting group is both an enjoyable activity and gives the chance to help others in need of blankets: capable volunteers knit squares and sew them together for Wrapped With Love. The group is well run, the atmosphere is friendly and it is good to volunteer for a worthy cause in the company of others.”
#32 Joyce’s story
Joyce has been going on The JNC’s Social Bus Outings, in her words, “for many years”. These outings are one of the social support programs run by The JNC’s Aged Services. Joyce says, “The JNC’s made a difference because you can get to places you can’t get to on your own.
You meet different people and have conversations with them.
It gets me out and I can see others and enjoy the day with them.”
I very much enjoy being picked up at my home and taken for lunch at various social clubs in Sydney. On these trips I meet other elderly people. I am also picked up and taken grocery shopping.”
#33 Keren’s story
This year Keren’s family joined The JNC’s Transition to School Playgroup, which supports children who are starting school the next year and their families.
Keren says, “It has been wonderful to attend a specialised play-group where my 4 year old is stimulated and has special attention by the excellent educators, and her younger siblings are also able to play and have fun. It is a big relief to find an activity that suits all the kids’ needs.”
#34 Andrew’s story
"Andrew volunteers with The JNC in two areas. He accompanies people on the social bus outings run by our Aged Services team, and assists people to grow confident with using their digital devices – mobile phone, tablet, computer, laptop.
He says, “Volunteering with The JNC has allowed me to give back to the community, which is a really rewarding feeling. Through the ‘Let’s Get Digital’ program I’m able to see people grow through exploring and experimenting with technology in a safe and non-judgmental environment, building their confidence and knowledge.
Through the Aged Services social bus outings I have been able to see wonderful friendships which have developed and grown due to this and other social experiences offered by The JNC.”
#35 Faith’s story
"Faith attended the JNC’s Multi-cultural Playgroup, and then the Transition to School Playgroup until she started going to school. Faith’s mum tells this story, which she calls “My Joyful Story”.
She says, “I was brought up to be very quiet, but in the playgroups Faith discovered the joy and fun of singing and movement. She loved it. Now at school she’s in a choir and dancing group.
She was given the opportunity to learn, and she saw the joy of it. She learnt there’s a time to have fun, a time to listen, to be quiet in a place like school or the library. And that problems are temporary: life can be joyful.
She learnt something very important – to be sociable. She discovered she’s acknowledged as a person and respected as an individual.
So she can speak up and bounce back. To go to school is scary, but for her it’s been a joy.”
#36 Freda’s story
"Freda has accessed The JNC’s Individual Social Support service for the part year and a half.
She says, “The JNC worker cares about me. She assists with carrying and shopping tasks that help me to maintain my shopping independence.
We go for coffee. We talk and we compare stories; we have a friendship.”
#37 Jaffa’s story
“My underlying reasons for volunteering in teaching English are somewhat personal. This is because I know exactly how it feels to be in a new and foreign country and have significant language barriers. I was alienated and excluded when I arrived to Australia at 11 years old from Europe in the 1960s with no English whatsoever combined with cultural divides.
This is why teaching English is not only a way I can literally give back to the community but more importantly, help individuals to overcome the similar language and cultural barriers I was once all too familiar with.
Over the last 20 years I have developed close connections with my students as we have shared life stories with laughter and tears. But most of all it is the respect, empathy, compassion and fun that I have shared with my students which are my greatest reward.”
#38 Paul’s story
Paul says, “My confidence has improved. I enjoy individual social support, the exercise group and small-group outings with multicultural clients.
Social support achieves the organisation’s aims and objectives, and helps improve my own health and outlook.
I particularly enjoy interacting with the multicultural community.”
#39 Mary’s story
Mary has been The JNC’s volunteer Tai Chi group facilitator for three years.
She says: “Volunteering has given me fulfilment in my life.
I find joy and peace in uplifting people’s lives by instructing them in Tai Chi.
I also love hearing my class members’ life stories.”
#4o Janet’s story
“Being a board member of the JNC has enabled me to learn more about the problems facing our local community and the people it affects. I’m proud to volunteer with a community organisation whose vision is to enhance the wellbeing and resilience of individuals and communities. My role gives me the opportunity to use my business training in a meaningful and fulfilling way and to work with other highly skilled and enthusiastic volunteer board members and management team.
As a team we work together to ensure the JNC remains sustainable and can continue to provide a range of high quality essential services to meet the needs of our local community and fill the gaps that government agencies can’t provide.”
#41 Yuk Man Lai’s story
“Over 7 years I have been using one on one individual social support with The JNC.
My children live far away from me. I am relying on the service to get myself out as much as possible.
I really wish I could thank the service founder in person.
Thank you for taking care of me!”
#42 Drew’s story
” I’m lucky to have been in the unique position to both live and work in the same area, so doing my social work placement at the JNC meant I could learn from so many different people with expert skills while also serving the community that love and raised me. The JNC works on a non-judgemental, strengths based approach and I was so proud to be at a service that treats everyone with dignity and respect, and as the experts in their own lives. I will always be grateful and acknowledge how lucky I was to be placed at the JNC, to be taught by people who care deeply about their work and want nothing for me but to be the best I can be, by investing in myself and my potential. Since moving on from the JNC in a professional capacity, I’ve stayed in contact.
#43 Rudi’s story
Rudi says, “It makes my life easier.
I like the help with my
shopping. I enjoy going out for
coffee in small group outings. I
enjoy the exercise classes run
at my building. I always look
forward to the BBQ group. I
like the mix of people, the food.
I’m very happy with the services I receive and it keeps me out of nursing homes.”
#44 Gillian’s story
Gillian says, “Through my work with JNC I have been inspired to continue the work laid down by the people who have gone before. The strong and dedicated women who founded JNC, who fought for social justice, who made great pathways into securing more equitable communities, are the foundations of my work as I strive to uphold a shared vision.
Working with a new generation of professional women and men gives me grounding, creates confidence in my abilities, adds purpose and a clear direction as we move into a bright future. I am privileged to belong here with JNC.”
#45 JNC Staff
JNC staff say, “We enhance the lives of young, old and people with different abilities … We enable individuals and families to navigate the stormy waters of their lives. We empower them, connect them with others and celebrate their strengths and confidence … We enable physical and mental wellness, connection and purpose.
Our clients tell us: They are excited when they learn something new … We help isolated people to get out into the community … Friendships form and grow … The social support they receive from JNC is the highlight of their week … JNC makes them feel alive.”
