In 2019 a number of local services opened the Hub for the Bowenfels community, as a meeting place and to run outreach programs.

Hub manager Leanne Walding said since its opening, the Lithgow community had embraced all the Hub has to offer.

"The community has been part of the initial consultations and actively engaging and participating in our programs," she said. "They [programs] have been well attended and continue to evolve based on community need and aspirations."

Although it hasn't been all smooth sailing, with COVID-19 forcing the Hub doors to shut mid-way through 2020, Ms Walding said.

"When COVID-19 hit, as we are a community centre, we were forced to close our doors and postpone programs," she said. "COVID placed the Hub into uncertainty and we were left wondering if we'd ever be able to rebuild the work we started."

Ms Walding said all face-to-face programs and external community service organisation using the Hub, ceased.

"It all stopped so abruptly, but LINC continued to make contact with our families and community members through COVID-safe methods," she said.

She said the Hub was able to maintain connections and provide updates to its members.

Moving forward, Ms Walding said there were plans to recommence programs and build community partnerships in a COVID-safe manner.

"As COVID restrictions ease we are starting to recommence programs at the Bowenfels Community Hub," she said.

READ MORE:

The first program to be welcomed back is The Homework Centre for children in Kinder to Year 6.

"Based on numbers allowed inside we will roster children as required to ensure we are compliant and are fulfilling the needs of the children," Ms Walding said,

The Homework Centre will run on Wednesdays during school terms from 4pm-5pm.

Ms Walding also said the Food Rescue program was set to move from safe home deliveries to face-to-face, allowing choice of items which was not allowed during COVID lockdown.

"Other service providers who utilise the space are yet to confirm their intentions for 2021 but we are liaising on a regular basis," she said.

Ms Walding hoped to introduce a range of new initiatives in 2021 including a Women's Safe Haven Project, Cooking on a Budget and reintroduce monthly barbecues.

"Our homework centre will expand to provide assessment support for students in high school as we have now recruited the support of two volunteer tutors. Energy Australia and the DCJ Place Plan support this program," she said.

"We will reintroduce our monthly barbecues in Emora Park and the Hub, as restrictions allow.

"These bring young people together for a fun afternoon, support service interaction and information sharing," Ms Walding said.