Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips was overjoyed to cut the ribbon and join in a community celebration at the opening of a new disability hub in Ulladulla on Friday September 20.
The Yumaro Sanctuary of Support consists of a renovated nursery and garden centre that employs around 30 people with a disability and local support staff, and a new NDIS Hub for people with disabilities and mental illnesses.
“The opening celebration was just wonderful, and it was great to see so many smiling local faces out enjoying the sunshine and festivities,” Mrs Phillips said.
“You can tell this is a really special place and, with all the plants in such a beautiful setting, it really is a sanctuary.”
A Bushfire Local Economic Recovery (BLER) project, the upgrade was jointly funded by Federal and State Governments and included expansion of the garden centre, plus two new activity rooms.
Three office spaces will support centre-based, community-based, in home, social and capacity building programs.
Mrs Phillips said the new facilities would provide a foundation for disability support in the Milton-Ulladulla community for generations to come.
“I congratulate Yumaro CEO Mark Brantingham, manager Debbie Lickley and everyone involved in the community celebration and on the creation of such a meaningful training and work environment and comprehensive support service for those in our community that need it most,” Mrs Phillips said.
“Yumaro is well known for creating a diverse range of employment pathways for people living with disabilities, including work readiness programs and placement within its many social enterprises, like the nursery.”
The opening party at the centre in Warden Street Ulladulla, next to the tennis courts, was a riot of colour and sound with music, plants, face painting and craft activities.
Established in 1984, Yumaro runs eight different social enterprises and currently supports more than 300 people with a disability in meaningful ongoing employment in the Eurobodalla and Southern Shoalhaven regions.
Photo: Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips officially opened the Yumaro Sanctuary of Support in Ulladulla on September 20.
Media Contact: Katrina Condie 0437 662 967.
