By Rick Stoker

The Port Douglas Community Services Network Inc (also known as the Neighbourhood Centre) held its Annual Gneeral Meeting (AGM) on September 24. 

It was attended by 24 people, although several members were away from Douglas and sent their apologies.

Sergeant Damian Meadows of Port Douglas Police Station attended the meeting and spoke of the role and value the centre played in the community, how it helped in ways that would never be generally known and how, in particular, it had an excellent working relationship with the police service. 

Sergeant Meadows expressed hope that this relationship would continue, stating that the Centre helped in cases of domestic violence, alcohol, drug abuse and mental health.

He went on to talk about the state of the local and broader community from a police perspective, detailing how the drug methamphetamine (also known as ‘ice’) is on the increase and can very quickly send users psychotic. He also spoke of the potential effect of terrorist activities on Australia.

The president and treasurer of the Neighbourhood Centre gave their reports, as did various activity representatives. This included reports on various funding sources for their No Interest Loan Scheme for the purchase of whitegoods, Family Support which provided emergency relief, the Nic Nak Shed, the Cubby House, Pink in the Tropics, the Men’s Breakfast and progress toward the Community Garden.

President Ray Legg made mention of the Centre winning the Best Carnivale Float for the fourth year running and thanked everyone involved.

He finished his report by thanking the management committee for their work during the year.

Supper was then provided.

Hard copies of the full AGM Report can still be emailed to members as required.