Timeline
1980
July
- Known as Swansea Family Support Service
- Used different buildings including the Swansea Baby Health Centre, Marks Point School, Presbyterian Hall, Combined Pensioners Hall, Caves Beach Uniting Church
- Coordinator Gail Schultz - Funded by East Lake Macquarie Uniting Church Parish and Department of Youth and Community Services
1982
15 Mar
- Approved access to use the cottage at 2 Josephson Street
April
- Renamed to the Swansea Community Cottage
18 Aug
- Formed a management committee and signed up volunteers
1983
5 Sept 1983
- Moved permanently to “The Cottage” premises at 2 Josephson Street Swansea
1984
May 1984
- Call for interest to start After School Child Care Services
June 1984
- After school Service running with volunteers from 3.30-5pm
Aug/Sept 1984
- Vacation Care started
1984
Changed name and became incorporated
1985
Jan
- Vacation Care Program with a limit of 20 kids per day. $3 plus excursion costs and themes including Pirate, Nature and Space Weeks
May
- 30 Children attending vacation care and funding received for 2 staff
1986
Jan
- CEP Grants received to employ 2 people (gardener and office administrator) for 6 months
- Julie Palmer worked July to December 1986
- Andrea Osmond December to mid 1987
- Rhonda working with The Cottage as a volunteer
Aug-Sept
- Vacation Care is $2/day and $4/family
16 Sept
- Changed named to Swansea Community Cottage Management Committee Inc
1987
- Carers Group formed by Rhonda (became Swansea Carers, Eastlakes Neighbour Aid and, eventually, Lake Macquarie Support Services)
1988
May
- Hunter Area Assistance Scheme (2 years funding received) and Rhonda officially employed
1990
25 May
- Changed name to Swansea Community Cottage Inc
- DOCS took over funding of Cottage