Who we are

LINCS Volunteer Scheme Inc was initiated in the Hawkesbury Region of NSW in 1997, in response to the number of mothers with young families suffering depression, or just not coping, as a result of social isolation and a lack of personal and family support. The project commenced with $3000 received through the Wentworth Area Health Service Health Promotion Seeding Grant.

LINCS is a non-profit organisation, and exists through any funding received.

Today with the aid of funding from the Australian Government, LINCS is a thriving organisation consisting of both male and female volunteers of mixed ages who help bring a little sunshine into the lives of Hawkesbury families when they need it most.

LINCS values and appreciates the client family referrals received from the Hawkesbury Hospital, (HDHS), St John of God Richmond Hospital, and many other Hawkesbury organisations.

As well as providing regular home visits (usually once a week, for a minimum period of 2 hours) to client families in need of support, LINCS volunteers:

Are comprehensively trained
Provide free Parental Support/Childcare to many Hawkesbury Family Support organisations, as well as to the Hawkesbury Community Health Centre and St John of God Richmond Hospital
Promote LINCS to other Community groups (Public Speaking)
Promote the program at selected family support forums

LINCS has received much in the way of community accolade, both within the Hawkesbury and further afield:

2012 – Finalist ZEST Awards
2011 – Highly Commended Volunteer Team of the Year Awards
2010 – Professor John Macdonald agrees to become LINCS’ joint Patron
2010 – LINCS Volunteer recipient of a Rotary “Pride in Workmanship” Award
2009 – LINCS nominated NSW Volunteer Team of the Year Award
2009 – LINCS success – Volunteer Grants 2009 Initiative – Community Investment Program
2008 – LINCS Volunteer named as Hawkesbury Citizen of the Month
2008 – LINCS Volunteer nominated NSW Volunteer of the Year Award
2008 – Barbara Holborow OAM agrees to Patronage of LINCS
2007 – LINCS Volunteer named as Joint Hawkesbury Citizen of the Year
2007 – LINCS Treasurer – recipient of a Rotary “Pride in Workmanship” Award
2006 – LINCS volunteer named as Hawkesbury Citizen of the Year

“I have witnessed the positive impact that LINCS can have on the lives of young families and am committed to the belief in the vital role that LINCS maintains within the Hawkesbury community.”