BEFORE the Community Cabinet meeting on Monday, New South Wales Premier, Barry O'Farrell visited Taree's Dundaloo Support Services and announced the NSW Government will provide $9.7 million for the construction of five new group homes in the Manning Valley.
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Two purpose-built group homes will be established in Taree, two in Old Bar and one in Wingham. Together the homes will house up to 26 people with disability.
Premier O'Farrell addressed staff and residents of Dundaloo and said he was pleased to make a real difference to the lives of people living with a disability, not only through this funding commitment, but also through his Government's support of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (now known as DisabilityCare).
"Every week I make a lot of announcements, but this one is of personal importance to me.
"I am fully aware of the great work achieved by organisations such as Dundaloo and Valley Industries, not only because I'm married to a lady from Taree, but also because of my friendship with Wendy Machin," the Premier said. Wendy's father, John was among the "founding fathers" of Dundaloo.
Dundaloo Support Services celebrated its 60th anniversary this year and CEO Shelly Sabey said this funding is the beginning of an exciting new era which will see the reinvention of Dundaloo.
"Our buildings and our capacity to support people will be significantly enhanced in the next few years. Dundaloo will look very different by 2015," Ms Sabey said.
Construction of the five new homes will begin over the next year, with the project to be completed by April 2015.
Minister for ageing and disability services, Andrew Constance said the homes will have a contemporary design, be fully accessible, with options for people to live in groups of two or three, in villa style accommodation, or in five-bed groups homes.
"A project like this isn't just about the bricks and mortar. It's about ensuring the supports are in place to empower people with a disability to be independent and socially active members of their community," Mr Constance said.