The Minns Labor 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 Minns 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.
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 funding is part of the Minns Government's approach to delivering sustainable and strategic investment with a focus on priorities that make a difference to regional communities.
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 because of 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
Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
"This funding backs the Minns Government's plan to invest in projects in our regional and rural communities that create jobs, boost local businesses and improve community services.
"This investment in the Hunter Disability Centre reflects our government's commitment to ensuring that people living with disability in regional communities have access to world-class support services and this new centre will be a game-changer for families across the Hunter region.
"By supporting the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, we're not just building infrastructure-we're building futures."
Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said:
"People living with cerebral palsy in our region haven't always had easy access to the services they need, being forced to travel long distances that are costly and add pressure to an already demanding situation.
"Everyone deserves support close to home. This investment gives families the services and learning opportunities they need to fully participate in everything our region offers, delivering the essential services we committed to when we came into Government.
"The Hunter is fast becoming one of the most liveable regions in the state. A place where families can build their futures with confidence and today's announcement is yet another reason why."
Minister for Disability Inclusion, Kate Washington said:
"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.
"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."
Cerebral Palsy Alliance Chief Operating Officer Paul Henderson said:
"This project is a key part of the Alliance's vision to create a world of opportunity for people with disability and their families.
"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."
