Liverpool Neighbourhood Connections centre helping women back into the workplace
/A few years ago, Nicole Hailes felt she couldn't get out of bed.
Her depression had crippled her. She was anti-social and quit her job in childcare.
Today, with help from the women at the Liverpool Neighbourhood Connections (LNC) centre, Nicole is thriving with two jobs and a role making and selling hair accessories in a small not-for-profit business.
Nicole goes a step further.
"LNC saved my life. I can never repay them for what they've done for me," she says.
Looking back, Nicole is a different person than she was during her depression, and feels she is now contributing to her community.
"Being able to get up and go to work, getting a wage again, saving for things is great.
"And it's that independence I don't have to rely on my family to help me. I don't have to go; 'can I borrow some money?'"
The LNC, based at Warwick Farm in south-west Sydney, is a meeting place for women to learn and work with the added benefit of childcare.
The centre is funded by donations and grants.
For 30 years Pat Hall has run the centre and has seen countless women take their first steps into the workforce.
"Giving a woman a job helps more than just her, it helps her family, it inspires her kids and the people around her," Pat says.
Pat's ethos is helping women in Liverpool's most disadvantaged communities, those with mental health issues and from refugee or migrant backgrounds who have struggled with employment in the past, providing a clear path to a job, with in-house skills courses.
Analiza Randall started as a volunteer at the centre, she would clean and unlock doors in the morning.
Before that she had a few short-term jobs that helped provide for her six children but had never stuck with anything for long enough.
"I worked here and there, but I moved around a lot because of my home life," Analiza says.
"Now I'm in Liverpool, this is my home, I want to stay here forever because I feel loved here."
After completing a short barista course, Analiza was able to find work in the LNC-funded cafe for a few hours a week, and now works full-time.
"I looked at my first pay cheque and I said, this is mine.
"I'm thankful that I can do this and have it for myself."
A report from Western Sydney University found that Analiza's success at LNC was not isolated.
Brian Stout from the school of social services, and co-author of the report, said the work at the centre is unique to Liverpool and should be replicated across the state.
"What LNC do is create a clear path from short courses, facilitated by on-site childcare, right through to employment," he said.
"Targeting women while providing those services is not only effective it has a real impact in the community."
While Liverpool continues to develop and construction projects push forward, Professor Stout wants the women in the area to be given an equal chance.
"It's important that as a community this expansion of Liverpool City isn't just about bringing in people from elsewhere, but raising opportunities for the community that are already here.
"The work of Liverpool Neighbourhood Connections is just as important as the work of the new airport towards any economic growth and prosperity in Liverpool."
For Analiza, having the support of the centre when she needed it most, has spurred her to help others.
"I want to give back, I want to look after the homeless. I was helped and I had the love of someone when I first came here, so why not."