From 1 July 2018 the operations of Anglicare Northern Inland (ANI) in the Armidale Diocese will amalgamate with those of Anglicare in the Sydney Diocese.
Among the communities ANI serves, there are a number surviving on low incomes and facing high levels of unemployment. The services ANI provides assist people living with relationship stress, addiction, depression and mental health issues.
Interim ANI CEO, Larry Apthorpe said “ANI’s current size and level of resources are constraining our capacity to meet the extensive need in our region. So over recent months the ANI Board has been talking with Anglicare to explore our options. There is a strong historical bond between the Sydney and Armidale Dioceses. When we considered Anglicare’s large scale, wide range of services, and our shared mission it just made good business sense to amalgamate with them.”
All ANI staff were informed about the amalgamation at a meeting in Tamworth on 12 April.
Anglicare CEO, Grant Millard said “We want to support ANI staff through the amalgamation, and make it a smooth transition for staff and clients.
“ANI and Anglicare are closely aligned in their Vision, Mission and Values. We aim to serve the community in Jesus’ name, and make a positive difference in the lives of others. We’re both committed to providing counselling, family skills, financial counselling, services for people living with mental illness, and programs working with Aboriginal families.
“We’re excited about the possibility of growing existing services in Northern Inland. There’s also an opportunity to expand on the range of services offered.”
ANI officially joins Anglicare on 1 July 2018. A local Advisory Committee will be established to ensure a regional voice contributes to the future direction of service delivery in the Northern Inland.
“Anglicare will continue to build on existing relationships, working collaboratively with local Parishes and with others in the community. We want to develop a meaningful response to socio-economic disadvantage, retain and grow existing services, and generate new ways to meet the needs of those we serve,” says Mr Millard.
ANI operates out of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell and Moree and provides outreach services to Glen Innes, Narrabri, Boggabilla, Mungindi and Wee Waa.
Services include Families and Relationship Services; Family Law Counselling; Partners in Recovery; Gambling Help Services; and Hope for Life which assists young Aboriginal mothers with educational support and life skills.
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