Located in the Wesley Chambers at 146 Victoria Street, the centre is a first point of contact for families wanting to improve their relationships.

As well as providing free information for families, the centre has qualified, professional staff to help families with the difficulties associated with separation or divorce.

Taree’s Family Relationship Centre is one of many being established around Australia as part of the Australian Government’s commitment to families – a key initiative of recent changes to the family law system.

Taree’s centre is an initiative of Interrelate Family Centres which already has established such centres in other areas which are providing most effective in assisting families and children.

Mary Dye, area manager for Interrelate Lower Mid North Coast, said “We are committed to providing conflicted families with timely, high quality services, helping them focus on their children’s needs and gain access to services that can strengthen their family relationships.”

Taree manager Annette Wilson said family relationship centres are a first point of contact for families wanting to improve their relationships.

“I believe the Taree FRC will become an integral resource for the local community,” she said.

“FRCs have been funded by the Attorney-General’s Department to provide services to families, particularly separating families, to help overcome issues with parenting.

“Where once upon a time separating parents could file (for custody) in a court, and have to await a judicial decision, now it is a matter of centres such as ours offering mediation first, for families who are in conflict over their children.

“Centres such as ours offer an alternative to court.”

The new Taree centre will have a team of one full-time and several part-time trained mediators working in a purpose-built environment in what was once the former Manning Shire Council headquarters.