Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) community members with disabilities in the Geelong region will benefit from improved support and services with the official opening of the Diversability Centre today.
Liberal Senator for Victoria, Sarah Henderson, said the construction of the Diversability Centre at the Northern Community Hub would bring improved health, education and lifestyle options to the region.
“What this means for Geelong is the opportunity to provide CALD disability groups the support to help them thrive. It will encourage healthy, autonomous living and involvement with the broader community,” Senator Henderson said.
“It will also help Diversability clients gain access to NDIS support and customer directed care and link intercultural communities.”
“This centre is purpose-built for people with disabilities – including the wheelchair access community garden – and provides a permanent home for Diversitat’s Diversability service which will support our region well into the future,” Senator Henderson said.
The centre is the only CALD-specific facility in the region.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Australian Government’s $314,000 investment in the community would provide long term benefits to the Geelong area.
“In addition to the centre providing National Disability Insurance Scheme support services, this investment will also produce long-term benefits to the region as culturally and linguistically diverse people with a disability and their families and carers will also have access and benefit from this,” Mr McCormack said.
This project received $314,000 in funding from the Australian Government under the Building Better Regions Fund. The Victorian Multicultural Commission also provided $211,000, Perpetual committed $150,000, Diversitat itself contributed $75,000 with the same amount from Give Where You Live. The Geelong Community Foundation provided $40,000.
The total cost of the new centre was $865,000.