Ability Network Unveils New Office And Future Plans

Local disability service provider Ability Network officially opened its new office on Kendal Street last Tuesday evening, while also unveiling its big plans for its Lyall Street premises.

Its new office next to Datavoice Communications on Kendal Street will be used as its administration centre, however its most important works will soon start taking place at ‘Ability Farm’- its multipurpose facility on Lyal Street.

It will be spending $1.5l million constructing stage 1 of its overall Lyall Street project, including a community hub and workshop for not only its clients to use, but for the entire Cowra community.

CEO Janis Redford said the aim was to start construction this year, with tenders for the building work to open by the end of June.

“This is not only an investment for us, but the entire Cowra community, as these facilities will be available for use and hire to anyone that needs it,” she said.

The community hub will feature a computer room, art and craft facilities, skills classes, a cooking room and spaces for general courses.

The workshop will be used primarily for Ability Network clients for woodwork metalwork classes, enabling them to learn how to make wood and metal items.

Stage 1 is just the beginning of Ability Network’s Ability Farm, with planned future stages to include a greenhouse, gardens, café and gift shop, vegetable gardens, new respite accommodation, car parking and recreational areas. Combined with stage 1, this would equate to an investment in the Cowra community of $3 million to $4 million.

Janis said Ability Network would begin lobbying the Federal Government for funding assistance towards the project.

• Topics:
• Community Groups
• Disabilities