According to the new president of the Neighbourhood Centre, Mick Evans, this was necessary for both organisations to allow them to expand their services in the Lightning Ridge community without causing a conflict of interest. For example, Mr Evans said, the Neighbourhood Centre wanted to auspice the Lightning Ridge Men’s Shed, but it wasn’t possible for them do so when they were being endorsed by a support group for women.

Mr Evans, who admitted that up until about six months ago he had spent years avoiding responsibility, said he was quite enjoying all the experiences he was having in his new role.

“Hopefully, I’ll grow into the position,” he said.

Mr Evans will be assisted in his new role by the recently formed Neighbourhood Centre Committee, which consists of Steven Spence (vice-president), Lorraine Crawford (secretary), Jim Moore (treasurer, Monica Summers, Mark Fernando and Paulina Garces (committee members). Mr Evans said these people were invited to be part of the new committee because they represent the various groups which make up Lightning Ridge’s diverse community.

He said this was important because it would enable the centre to get feedback on the directions the local populace would like to see the centre move in. Mr Evans also said the committee hoped to get a representative of the local Indigenous youth to join them in the future.

Business will continue as usual at the Neighbourhood Centre with the Communication Technology Centre (CTC), library and emergency relief programs operating in the same way they always have. It will also continue to support the Yuluwirri art program, which is run by the Outback Arts Regional Indigenous Cultural Development Officer (RICDO) for Lightning Ridge, Karin Thurston, at the CDEP rooms on Nobby Road every Friday.

It will forge ahead with its adult literacy program, which is due to start on Monday July 5 at 1pm at the Neighbourhood Centre. It will be held every Monday and Wednesday thereafter.

Mr Evans said these were the centre’s immediate goals but the committee had lots of ideas, which it would be discussing at its meeting next month.