The centre, located within Tomaree Library, has used a $18,650 community building partnership grant to give its office and emergency relief room a much needed upgrade including a paint job, the installation of new carpet and blinds and mural painted by Indigenous artist Jason Russell.

"The neighbourhood centre engages with all members of the local community, but we do have a high focus on our disadvantaged and Indigenous communities who seek assistance for crisis and financial hardship," said TNC program support officer Clare Saunders.

"The upgrade has enhanced our facilities to provide a cultural and safe space that community members will feel more confident to access.

"The centre's facilities had not been upgraded since the library was first built. The facilities and furniture were old, stained and mismatched, which didn't make visiting the office appealing.

"The upgrades now match the recent library renovations and make the centre a much more inviting space to visit. A substandard building does not breed confidence for the people who need to access it."

Ms Saunders said community members who have accessed the offices during the years have commented on its need for an upgrade.

TNC's community notice boards were also upgraded, which was carried out during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak when the doors to the centre were closed.

While the doors were closed, TNC's emergency relief services continued as normal.

To increase community participation in the project, to celebrate the Port's Indigenous community and the culturally significant wetlands located at the back of the centre, TNC sought to include an Indigenous mural painted in the office.

Mr Russell from Koori Colours Art in Tanilba Bay was asked to join the project.

On a wall at the entrance of the office, he painted a large mural which reflects the Aboriginal significance of the Mambo Wetlands showcasing the animals within, tracks, the women's site and water.

"The Mambo Wetlands is rich in history. There's so much information available about the wetlands, I wasn't stuck for inspiration," he said.

"The design is very similar to a drawing I put forward to the council so signage on the Mambo Wetlands, which wasn't used. I was glad to be able to showcase this design and on such a large space."

Port Stephens MP Kate Washington nominated Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre for the state government grant. She visited the centre at the end of October to see the changes made to the office through the grant.

"It's amazing to see how the funds we secured have been used so beautifully," Ms Washington said. "The team have done a fantastic job in transforming this space. It's really very welcoming."

In addition to the community building partnership grant, at the start of the year TNC received a $5000 donation from AGL Energy to be used for a community project.

"TNS identified a need to connect isolated Port Stephens seniors who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic," Ms Saunders said.

The Connecting Isolated Seniors Program was born.

Partnering with Port Stephens Veterans and Citizens Aged Care, which run the Harbourside Haven villages, TNC purchased 10 Alcatel tablets which were distributed to seniors identified by the aged care service.

Each tablet was equipped with a sim card and 40GB of data, cases and screen protectors.

Those who received the tablets were educated on how to use them and provided an instruction booklet which was prepared by TNC volunteer Helen Dykes.

"Participants also received in-house training and support from PSVCAC's community activities team leader Jason Parr and his amazing team," Ms Saunders said. "This included teaching seniors how to use email, Facebook, Skype, FaceTime and play games."

TNC is further working with the aged care service to provide isolated seniors with support during the Christmas holiday.

AGL has further supported TNC by funding a playgroup for preschool-aged children on the autism spectrum. TNC has partnered with Spirited - A Creative Play Cafe, based in Taylors Beach, to offer the playgroup.

Founded in 1989, TNC is a not-for-profit organisation that identifies community needs, provides relevant information, referral and other services to empower and improve the quality of life for community members and groups.

TNC offers the community information and referral services such as access to computers, internet and email, photocopying and financial counselling.

A wide range of information booklets on community groups, services, events and exercise opportunities is also available from the centre.

TNC offers crisis support through an emergency relief program to people in financial hardship. Staff run a multicultural friendship group and an autism support group. Other services the centre provides is computer lessons for seniors and Justice of the Peace three days a week.

TNC is open Monday to Friday between 10am and 3pm.