Looking For Help But Don’t Know Where to Start? Here Are 10 Things You Should Know About our ‘One Roof’ Support
Saturday, 25 of April 2026
What you’ll find in this guide
Life has a way of throwing curveballs when you least expect them. Whether you’re facing a tough financial patch, trying to navigate the NDIS, or just looking for a safe place for your kids after school, knowing where to turn is half the battle.
At the Tumut & District Neighbourhood Centre Inc, we’ve spent decades building a "One Roof" model of support. This means you don’t have to run all over town to find different services. We’ve brought them together for you.
Check back regularly as our services evolve to meet our community’s needs. Here are the 10 essential things you should know about how we can support you.
1. We’ve been part of the Tumut community since 1979
Our Roots
We aren’t just a service provider; we are your neighbours. Our centre has been providing practical assistance and support to the wider community in Tumut and surrounding districts for over 45 years. Being community-based means we understand the local landscape. We know the challenges of living in the Riverina and we’ve built our services around the people who live here, from families and young people to elders and migrants.
2. The 'One Roof' philosophy: Information, referral, and advocacy
Get Connected
Sometimes you don’t even know what help is available and that’s okay. Our primary goal is to be your first point of contact. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, our information and referral service is here to connect you with the right resources.
We act as your advocate, making sure your voice is heard when dealing with other service providers or government departments. We’re the bridge that connects you to the help you need, right when you need it.
3. Immediate help for times of difficulty
Practical Material Aid
When things get tight, we provide immediate support to help you get through the week. Our material aid includes:
- Community Pantry food vouchers: Helping you put a meal on the table.
- Groceries basics bags: Bags filled with the essentials to get you by.
- Clothing and household goods: Access to quality items if you’re starting over or just struggling to keep up with the costs of living.
Stay up to date with our pantry availability by checking our news page.
4. IPTAS: Assistance with medical travel costs
Medically Necessary Transport
Living regionally shouldn’t mean you can’t access specialist medical care. We assist with the IPTAAS (Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme) process. If you have to travel for medical appointments or require short-term accommodation for medical reasons, we can help you navigate the paperwork and claim back some of those costs.
5. Free tax help for low-income earners
Financial Empowerment
Tax time can be stressful, especially if you can’t afford a private accountant. We offer a free Tax Help programme where trained volunteers assist low-income individuals with lodging their tax returns. It’s a confidential service designed to make sure you’re getting the returns you’re entitled to without the added expense.
6. Professional financial counselling
Debt & Budgeting Support
Money stress can take a huge toll on your mental health. Our financial counselling is free, confidential, and professional. We can help you with:
- Managing debt and negotiating with creditors.
- Creating a realistic budget that works for your family.
- Understanding your rights regarding financial contracts.
Submit your ideas for future budgeting workshops by contacting us!
7. Disability advocacy and NDIS assistance
Protecting Your Rights
Navigating the NDIS can feel like learning a second language. Our disability advocacy service is here to ensure that people with disabilities have their voices heard and their rights protected. Whether you need help understanding your plan or advocating for better service access, we are in your corner.
8. Trusted childcare: OSHC and Vacation Care
Safe and Fun for Kids
Finding reliable childcare shouldn’t be a struggle. Our Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) and Vacation Care programmes focus on learning and fun in a safe, supervised environment. We cater to children aged 5–12.
Operating Hours:
- Before School Care: 6.00 am–9.00 am
- After School Care: 3.00 pm–6.00 pm
- Vacation Care (NSW school holidays): 8.00 am–5.30 pm
9. Affordable treasures in our Op Shop and Book Shop
Sustainable Shopping
Our Op Shop is a community favourite! We sell quality second-hand clothes, books and household items at very affordable prices. Not only is it a great way to shop sustainably, but it also helps us fund our other community programmes. For those in urgent need, we can also supply goods at no cost.
10. Digital support and our free computer kiosk
Stay Connected
The world is increasingly digital and we don’t want anyone left behind. We have a free computer kiosk available for those aged 49+ and anyone else who needs help with the digital world. Whether you need to send a fax, scan an email or learn how to navigate an online government portal, our team is here to assist you.
What’s next?
We are here for you. Whether you need a grocery bag, a listening ear or a place for your kids to play after school, Tumut & District Neighbourhood Centre Inc is your community hub.
Don’t wait until things get critical. Reach out to us today. Check back regularly for updates on new programmes and events.
Contact us
You’ll find us at Tumut & District Neighbourhood Centre Inc, 173 Wynyard Street, Tumut NSW 2720.
Centre hours
Tuesday to Thursday, 9.00 am–3.00 pm
OSHC
- Bookings: 0499 574 575 or oosh@tumutdnc.com.au
- Before school: 6.00 am–9.00 am
- After school: 3.00 pm–6.00 pm
- Vacation care: 8.00 am–5.30 pm during NSW school holidays
Tumut & District Neighbourhood Centre Inc
“What can we help with?"
PH: 02 6947 2893 EMAIL: tumutdnc@bigpond.net.au SOCIALS: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064546848192 WEB: www.tumutdnc.com.au
Open: Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 9.00 am to 3.00 pm
Tumut Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) Before school: 06:00am - 09:00am After school: 03:00pm - 06:00pm Vacation care hours: 08:00am - 05:30pm
Booking enquiries: oosh@tumutdnc.com.au or call our OSHC coordinator Melissa on 0499 574 575