New Nowra Service Centre opens to support families, children and young people
Families in Nowra and the South Coast will benefit from improved access to essential support services with the official opening of the new Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) Service Centre.
The centre was formally opened today by Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington. Marked by the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, the Minister was joined by some of the 40 dedicated staff who will be based at the new facility.
The new office brings together Community Services, Youth Justice, and other DCJ operations under one roof—making it easier for local families to access the services they need.
DCJ Service Centres are a key point of contact for families who need support to keep children safe and well. Staff work directly with children, young people, families, and carers to deliver child protection and out-of-home care services.
Youth Justice NSW will also operate from the site, supporting young people in contact with the justice system to rehabilitate, reduce reoffending, and build safer communities.
The major relocation to 2 Lawrence Avenue—three years in the making— incorporates trauma-informed and contemporary design principles to ensure a culturally safe, inclusive and respectful space for community members.
The new centre not only streamlines service delivery but is expected to deliver significant savings of almost $800,000 each year.
Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington said:
“I’m delighted we’re opening our new Nowra office because it will improve the delivery of key services to locals and support our workers better.
“Nowra is a vital regional hub, and this new office reflects our commitment to delivering quality, respectful, culturally safe and inclusive services to support local families.
“With this new office we’re making our service delivery more effective and efficient, by offering a better experience for visitors and workers, whilst also saving taxpayer money."
Minister for Youth Justice, Jihad Dib said:
“The opening of this new DCJ Service Centre brings together a range of important services to assist and support the Nowra and the South Coast community.
“As Minister for Youth Justice, I’m pleased the Nowra Youth Justice Community Office will be based in the new hub, helping us improve services for young people.
Member for South Coast, Liza Butler said:
“This new Service Centre is a big win for local families, young people and the hardworking staff who support them every day.
“It’s fantastic to see this kind of investment in Nowra that strengthens vital local services for our community.”