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About Us
History
THE STORY OF LANE COVE COMMUNITY AID SERVICE
The establishment of a voluntary organisation devoted to the welfare needs of its local community was pioneered in Australia by residents of Lane Cove. Since the inception of the organisation in 1961 many other communities have followed suit.
In 1959, whilst conducting house-to-house visits during her campaign for election to Lane Cove Council, Dr Claudia Leach found a great void in the community for people in need of assistance at disruptive times in the lives. Her resultant initiatives saw the foundation of the "Pool of Service" which in 1961 became Lane Cove Community Aid Service (LCCAS).
Then, LCCAS's mission was - "To enhance the quality of life of all people living in the Municipality of Lane Cove by providing a range of health and community services". In recent years, LCCAS has been funded to provide services to clients living in the additional local government areas of Mosman, North Sydney and Willoughby. The mission now is - "To enhance the quality of life of all people living in the community by providing a range of health and community services".
In the beginning, meetings were held at the Council Chambers with volunteers working from home, but in January 1962 LCCAS became independent of Council and at the same time received a grant from Council for administration expenses.
Services were introduced as needs were identified. Meals on Wheels began in the early 1960's with the (now) Lane Cove Club providing a limited service. The Home Companion Service, forerunner of the current Nursing Service, also commenced at this time. Welfare counselling was introduced in 1982, and in 1983 the Friends of Community Aid Shop (FOCAS) which had traded in the office, moved to their own premises in Library Place. FOCAS closed their shop in 1996 but continue with their monthly craft group where the members make items for selling on their specials days in the Plaza. They also make dolls for surgeons to use with children having to have surgery, and other items for donating to welfare groups.
LCCAS moved into the site of the current premises in 1965; these were enlarged in 1987. The premises are owned by Lane Cove Council.
The Home Maintenance and Modification Service also began in 1987. In 2002 the Lower North Shore Easy Care Gardening Service commenced; and in 2003 the Lower North Shore In-Home Podiatry Service began.
Today LCCAS is funded by grants from Local, State and Federal Governments. The balance of running costs is raised by the means of client fees, donations, bequests and fundraising.
Clients are referred to the service through local hospitals, doctors, other service providers and, of course, self or family referrals are also accepted.
The organisation is overseen by a Board of eight elected directors and two Councillors from Lane Cove Council.
Services now offered are Community Nursing; Meals on Wheels; Home Maintenance and Modification; Welfare, Information, and Advocacy; Community Visitors Scheme; Community Support Transport; Social Activities; Linen; Shopping; Easycare Gardening; and In?Home Podiatry.
The service cannot exist without the dedication of over 300 volunteers and the operative word remains as ever -
"SERVICE"
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