The NSW Government is investing $3.38 million in a key project in the Hunter to improve disability care for people with cerebral palsy under the Regional Development Trust.
This investment will see the Cerebral Palsy Alliance transform an existing warehouse in Beresfield into a customised, fully accessible centre with multi-disciplinary therapy rooms, multi-use spaces for group programs, and an early diagnosis clinic.
The Government’s Regional Development Trust will provide funding of $3.38 million, in addition to the recipient’s investment of $4.38 million to deliver a total investment of $7.76 million into disability care in the area.
The project will help meet the growing demand for services and programs for people with disability of all ages and support them in meeting their goals for independence and inclusion, said Minister for Disability Inclusion, Kate Washington.
“We are making this important investment because it will be a game-changer for people with disability, their families and the disability services workforce of the Hunter,” said Ms Washington.
“Our government is proudly partnering with Cerebral Palsy Alliance, a trusted organisation that’s been supporting people with disability and their families for 80 years, to deliver a new Hunter disability hub.”
The new Centre will provide access to evidence-based therapies, services and programs, and innovative technologies and equipment to enhance the lives of regional babies, children and adults with disability and their families.
It will also provide a dedicated training space for more than 300 disability sector workers from across the region.
The Cerebral Palsy Alliance has a 42-year presence in the Hunter, with existing facilities in East Maitland and Croudace Bay.
The Alliance operates 16 group homes in the Newcastle region housing more than 80 adults with complex disabilities and supports an additional 80 independent living clients.
“This project is a key part of the Alliance’s vision to create a world of opportunity for people with disability and their families,” said Cerebral Palsy Alliance Chief Operating Officer, Paul Henderson.
“Support from the NSW Government will allow the Cerebral Palsy Alliance to deliver a world-class, contemporary facility in a regional area, creating a hub of disability support and connection now and for decades to come.”
The Regional Development Trust has delivered a total investment of $60.9 million to 28 projects via its Regional Economic Development and Community Investment Program passing the initial funding allocation of $50 million due to the large number of projects demonstrating merit and need.
For more information on successful projects from the Regional Economic Development and Community Investment Program, go to: nsw.gov.au/regionaldevelopmenttrust.
