Valley Industries’ Whitbread Street facility will soon welcome a new main entrance, car park, signage, wheelchair accessible ramps and bathrooms after Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie announced on Friday, July 20 the Federal Government will chip in $125,000 for a refurbishment project. 

The works are set to begin in the next three months.

Dr Gillespie said Valley Industries staff and clients deserve a modern working environment.

“Valley Industries has supported people with disabilities in the Manning Valley for over 45 years.

“The Taree based organisation currently operates businesses and services including timber products, bee keeping supplies, document shredding, grounds maintenance, a commercial laundry, a plant nursery, an ‘Op Shop’ and a cafe plus accommodation and day services for people with disabilities.

“This will provide a better workplace for people with disabilities and those who support them,” Dr Gillespie said.

The funding is derived from the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund initiative.

The original building was constructed in the early 1970s. It has never been upgraded.

Valley Industries Chief Financial Officer David Isbel said the upgrades will be something to be proud of.

“It deserves to be a nice, modern workspace,” Mr Isbel said. 

In a letter to Dr Gillespie, Valley Industries chairman Mal Schultz outlined how without funding, the company has been unable to make improvements to the site. 

“As a not-for profit, Valley Industries feeds almost all revenues back into the Taree community as part of our mission to support people with disabilities.

“This makes it difficult for us to make capital improvements to support our growth without generous grants such as this.

“This grant will greatly improve our ageing facility at Whitbread Street, and provide a much better workplace for people with disabilities and those that care for them.”

The company has welcomed a strong increase in staff over the last few years. 

Chief executive officer Trent Jennison told Manning River Times in January this year employment can be a morale boost for people with a disability.

"It gives them a sense of worth, it is difficult for somebody with a disability to gain employment so by getting them a job it's a social outlet and it gives them a means to get up in the morning,” Mr Jennison said.