IMPACT invites community to new Hervey Bay site’s official opening

IMPACT Community Services is calling for community members and stakeholders to join the official opening of its new site at 381 Esplanade, Torquay on 24 February.

From 9.30 am to 11 am, attendees can connect with the staff members who are part of IMPACT’s Hervey Bay health and support programs, learn more about their valuable work and tour their spacious new building.

Since December, the beachside premises has been home to the Intensive Family Support; Youth Wellbeing Initiative (HERE); Family Mental Health Support Services; and Group Based Peer Recovery Support teams.

Nancy Oosterhof, IMPACT’s General Manager of Health and Support and a driving force behind the site move, said the official opening is an exciting opportunity for staff, stakeholders and the community to connect.

“We want to showcase the premises, but the purpose is for the community to come along and engage with us, meet the team and understand the range of services we provide,” Ms Oosterhof said.

Ms Oosterhof says the space is a blank canvas and welcomes community members to have their say on aesthetic aspects like images and murals.

“I really want to support those conversations during the official opening, which will help us personalise the site and ensure that it feels welcoming,” she said.

“We're hoping to be informed by community around what they want to see and how they want to use the space.”

Sylvia Powell, IMPACT’s Hervey Bay Intensive Family Support Manager, has relished working at the new site for the last two months.

Ms Powell said she is keen to hear people’s feedback and see everyone’s collective vision for the space come to life.  

“We want to create a universal space for our community to come and connect with our staff,” Ms Powell said.

“We’re hoping people will feel it’s open, welcoming, friendly and culturally appropriate for our First Nations peoples and our migrant community.”

Ms Powell said that IMPACT’s decision to relocate to a high-visibility branded location speaks volumes.

“The move highlights our invested interest in the area and the servicing of clients in an appropriate space that we can develop as we grow,” she said.

“It means broader recognition for IMPACT in the community and having a space that is specifically designed for the programs we operate here.”

IMPACT will welcome attendees on 24 February from 9.30 to 11 am, with light refreshments to be provided.

Those who plan to attend the event are asked to register online.

For more information on IMPACT’s health and support programs, visit our website.