A new era begins at the Newpark FRC in Kilkenny

Newpark Close Family Resource Centre has been part of the fabric of the Newpark community for almost 50 years.

Founded in 1976, the community centre was designed to provide services and support for families living in the housing estate of the same name, and the local area surrounding it.

Since its inception, the centre has prided itself on addressing the needs of children in the area, and eliminating the sense of isolation and social exclusion some residents may experience.

As the years and decades have gone by, the values the centre has held dear have remained largely the same, but as the generations change in the community, so do the personnel within the centre.

'Building an integrated and welcoming community, where families and individuals will have the opportunity to reach their full potential,' is the mission statement of the centre and newly appointed manager, Margaret Tone, hopes to capture those values during her term.

Margaret, originally from Johnstown in Co Kilkenny, holds a degree in Social Science and went on to study Community Development as a post-graduate programme.

A combination she feels will put her in good stead for her new position, stating the dual qualification will allow her to build relationships within the evolving and growing locality and put structures in place that will allow the area to continue for future generations to come.

This longevity has led to a trust being built between the centre and the community, creating a safe and supportive place.

The Kilkenny native has championed 'community' all her working life but this new venture will mark her first time working Noreside, stating her previous experiences have been a huge aid.

"I'm really delighted to be back in Kilkenny, I’ve never had the opportunity to work in Kilkenny previously," she said.

"My career evolved in Limerick, really and truly I think the experience I’ve received will be important."

The Kilkenny woman’s life took a dramatic turn in 2014, as a two hour car journey home, became 12 hours as she took a leap of faith and travelled to Western Australia.

A destination miles away but the 'community' and their needs proved to be not too dissimilar to home.

"When you look at issues impacting communities, actions are required," she said, adding local issues are not too dissimilar to Western Australia, believing matters impacting each family are universal.

The lack of resources became an ongoing battle for the Kilkenny woman and the people she met, with her experiences leading her to make comparisons to those felt in certain parts of rural Ireland.

Following her spell in the remote region, the newly appointed Newpark Family Resource Centre Manager, looks forward to teaming up with fellow staff members and the wider Newpark community.

Returning to her native parish in February, Margaret was pleasantly surprised for the opportunity to present itself, claiming a move back to Limerick appeared more likely.

The local woman now hopes the knowledge of the area she and her colleagues can provide will offer more in-depth support for families when addressing difficulties, and develop a positive relationship within the community.

The city-based community effort has grown substantially over the years.

From a small community centre to a thriving and busy centre in 2023, which aspires to achieve the highest standard of management and organisational development, an aspiration shared by the organisation’s newest recruit.

One of the centre’s most noted traits is its commitment not to discriminate and operates under the mantra of: 'partnership, empowerment, equality, openness and accountability, respectfulness and trust'.

Margaret hopes this hallmark can continue as young and old in the locality come together.

"The role of centres like these is to get to know what the community wants or needs," she commented.

"Old and young can come together, skills can be shared and connections can be made."

The Family Resource Centre, now firmly steeped in Newpark life, looks forward to a prosperous future adding to an already vast array of programmes for the local community.