More people with a disability in South West Queensland will have access to purpose-built respite and short-term accommodation with Care Goondiwindi set to receive a $281,000 Significant Grant to get their project off the ground.
The grant from Hand Heart Pocket the Charity of Freemasons Queensland will help to fund the construction of stage one of the $1.5M facility in the regional town of Goondiwindi.
Care Goondiwindi Chief Executive Officer Tracy MacDonald said the proposed facility, which will consist of three units, will help to address the gap in appropriate respite accommodation facilities for people with disabilities in the region.
“This new facility will allow us to provide the best possible care for clients ranging from low to high needs. Stage one, which this grant is going towards, will be a high needs unit, equipped with the latest in assistive technology, as well as being wheelchair-accessible throughout,” Tracy said.
“Currently, we’re having to provide respite in local motels and caravan parks which is far from ideal, as such environments impact on service quality and the privacy, dignity and individualised care of our clients,” she said.
“It’s crucial that we provide the necessary support to people with disabilities in our region to lead better lives.”
Paynters Architects will design and project manage the construction, which will be developed within the specifications of the Liveability Standards and completed in three stages. Care Goondiwindi will also contribute $185,000 towards stage one of the build.
“We are so very grateful to Hand Heart Pocket but must stress that we are actively seeking funding support for stages two and three,” Tracy said.
Hand Heart Pocket Chief Executive Officer Gary Mark said the grant had been provided on behalf of the Freemasons of Queensland.
“At Hand Heart Pocket we are committed to providing sustainable support that delivers positive outcomes for charitable organisations with limited access to other funding sources,” Gary said.
“Care Goondiwindi’s important work aligns directly with our values of alleviating suffering, empowering people to lead better lives and helping to improve people’s overall quality of life.
“We’re excited to be providing this hand up to empower Care Goondiwindi to deliver this essential service in the South West Queensland community.”
Care Goondiwindi and Hand Heart Pocket will turn the first sod on the development at a special event later this month.
Photo: Care Goondiwindi is set to receive a Significant Grant from Hand Heart Pocket the Charity of Freemasons Queensland towards stage one of their purpose-built respite and short-term accommodation facility.
