Zimmerman Services celebrates Mayfield opening
Zimmerman Services, the child protection and healing and support agency of the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, will celebrate the official opening and blessing of their new premises at Mayfield on Tuesday 21 May from 10.30am.
Peter Gogarty, a clergy sex abuse victims' advocate, will be a guest speaker at the opening and will talk about the support he personally receives from Zimmerman Services and the accessibility of the new office in Mayfield.
Healing and Support Coordinator for Zimmerman Services, Maureen O'Hearn, said Peter is one of many clients who appreciate the new location in Mayfield.
"The healing and support services have never been more utilised, in light of the Special Commission of Inquiry and the Royal Commission," Ms O'Hearn said. "People feel more comfortable accessing the healing and support services at Mayfield."
Zimmerman Services shares the new facilities with CatholicCare and for the first time in 50 years all of CatholicCare's various arms are working under the same roof; allowing for better collaborative relationships across program areas and a natural synergy with Zimmerman Services.
Vice-Chancellor, Finance & Administration for the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, Sean Scanlon, said the whole Catholic community will be celebrating the opening of the new facility in Mayfield as both CatholicCare Social Services and Zimmerman Services are integral parts of the mission of the church.
"While the whole Church is called to continue the mission of Jesus – every person, every parish, every group and agency – the needs of our world require that this mission have a professional dimension that is taken up by those who have the skills and knowledge. CatholicCare Social Services and Zimmerman Services provide this professional dimension through their services," Mr Scanlon said.
Bob Smith, from the BHP Historical Society, will talk about the history of the site and Fr Bill Burston will address the spirit of collaboration. Bishop Bill Wright will officially bless the staff and building.
To find out more about the Healing and Support Services offered by Zimmerman Services, click here.
