While this might seem an odd enquiry, it’s a testament to the hard work and perseverance shown by Lee Watts, who marks her 20th anniversary at the facility this month.

“In answer to the question, no, we don’t hire limousines,” she said.

“But we can point you in the right direction to someone who does.

“Providing access to information about things that are important to residents is central to what we do at the centre. 

“But more than that, listening to, and then working with the community to improve the services and facilities available locally, has been a major goal for us.

“Too often people have to travel out of the area to access services and facilities taken for granted elsewhere.”

The Scone Neighbourhood Centre started its humble beginnings more than 25 years ago as a simple drop-in centre and has grown to what is now seen as the “go to” place for many people across the Upper Hunter Shire.

Mrs Watts started with the centre as a volunteer when, two years later, she became the centre co-ordinator. 

After hearing what people had to say, she soon began to think about other ways the centre could do things to benefit the community.

Community donations allowed two computers to be acquired, which set the stage for the facility being able to start generating some small income to supplement its funding. 

Following on from this, Mrs Watts developed the Upper Hunter Web – the first local, paid internet directory of services in the region.

This allowed people, for the first time, to easily find out information about what was available in the community and in collecting the information, also identified some glaring gaps which needed to be filled.

Doggedly searching for donations, grants and other sources of funding, Mrs Watts’ enthusiasm and determination has expanded the service. 

Relying on volunteer support for the first decade, the centre now occupies the old council building, has an additional four staff and has a centre in Aberdeen.

Some notable achievements have included the installation of outdoor exercise equipment, bus shelters, lighting and ramps at Scone Railway, a parenting room in the old council administration building and a fairy garden, which has proven popular with children and their parents.

Apart from this, the neighbourhood centre has supported the establishment of the Upper Hunter and Aberdeen Men’s Sheds, run the successful Virtual Shed project, organised safety training seminars and subsidised maintenance for motorised scooter users, children’s reading activities, Harmony Day, Seniors Week activities, adult education programs and more.

“Every day offers new excitement and opportunities – seeing people use our service and hearing ideas about improving our community make it a real privilege to do my job,” Mrs Watts said.