Featured, Stories - May 9, 2025
Intereach ‘Lending a Hand’ to Help Families Thrive
As we mark National Families Week, Intereach is celebrating the strength and resilience of families we work with and reaffirm our commitment to supporting them through life’s challenges.
This year’s theme, ‘Lending a hand to thrive: supporting each other’, reflects what Intereach has stood for over the past 50 years. Whether it’s through a listening ear, a practical resource, or a safe place to connect — supporting families is at the heart of our work and key to building strong, connected communities.
Families come in all shapes and sizes, but at the heart of every strong family is the ability to support one another through life’s ups and downs.
Whether it’s parents guiding their children, grandparents or extended family stepping in to help raise the next generation — these simple acts of care create ripples of positive change.
At Intereach, we see every day how the power of connection can make a real difference, especially during challenging times.
The cost-of-living crisis has placed enormous pressure on families, with many struggling to keep up with rent, groceries, fuel and childcare.
In these moments, a helping hand — emotional, practical, or financial — can be life-changing. That’s why our services are more important than ever.
With a footprint covering 38 local government areas across central and northern Victoria and the Riverina-Murray region of NSW, Intereach offers a wide range of programs and services to support children, families, older people, people with disability, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and culturally diverse communities.
Through our Family and Mental Health programs, we provide a spectrum of support, from universal, community-based activities to early intervention and intensive family preservation.
These programs aim to strengthen relationships between children, young people, and their caregivers by improving communication, emotional wellbeing, and resilience.
Our five Community Centres — located in Hay, Deniliquin, Finley, Corowa and Cootamundra — are welcoming hubs where families can access information, local services, and support.
They offer programs such as Aged Care, NDIS local area coordination, early childhood services, Reach Out and Relax (ROAR) youth mental health support, Family and Mental Health, No Interest Loans, and Work Development Orders — all under one roof.
Each centre is uniquely tailored to its community. From Lego clubs, and support groups for new parents and grandparents to toy libraries and craft sessions, they provide opportunities for families to come together, form new friendships, and access support in an inclusive environment.
Families can also access public computers, printers and scanners, get help with referrals and advocacy, or connect with visiting services and community events.
Chloe Deacon, the newly appointed worker at Hay Community Centre, is one of many passionate Intereach team members helping families find the support they need.
My goal is to connect with the community, support people and families from all walks of life, and promote the amazing programs and services Intereach has to offer.
Chloe Deacon - Hay Community Centre worker
“We have a ‘No Wrong Door’ policy. If you walk through our doors, we’ll do everything we can to help – and if we can’t, we’ll make sure we connect you with someone who can.”
Families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds can also access support through our Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) program, which helps newly arrived migrants and refugees build independence and contribute to their new community.
Our commitment to families also includes our Family Day Care network, with more than 70 educators providing nurturing, home-based care for children aged 0–13. This support not only gives parents peace of mind but also offers children a safe and enriching environment to grow and learn.
As Co-CEO Michelle Tai puts it: Intereach is here for everyone – no matter your age, background or circumstances.
“No matter what family looks like for you, we want to be there to support you and create opportunities for you to live the life you choose,” Ms Tai said.
“By supporting and valuing our families, we are creating stronger more connected communities, which is at the heart of Intereach.”
If you, or someone you know, needs support, please contact the Intereach team on 1300 488 226, or go to www.intereach.com.au
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