Staff and participants from Anglicare’s new Disability Day Centre welcomed a visit from the local member Pru Goward last Monday, 16 October, as she inspected the new facility.
Sallyann Allport, Manager of Anglicare’s Disability Services, said the visit from Ms Goward has been a wonderful show of support for the work that has gone into opening this new facility.
“We know how important it is for people living with a disability to be connected with each other and with the wider community,” says Sallyann. “This new centre has the space to offer a wider range of activities for clients which will benefit them physically, emotionally and socially. We’re delighted to be able to share this with Ps Goward and to see the positive changes this service is making in the lives of those in need.”
“It was terrific to see how local donations have turned the disability centre into a welcoming and comfortable place with great accessibility and upgraded facility,” said Ms Goward. “This is a real compliment to the Goulburn community for helping Anglicare turn this much needed facility into such an attractive place.”
Whilst attending Anglicare’s service on Cowper St, Ms Goward also met with members of St Saviours patchwork group, who have been keen supporters of Anglicare and have donated hundreds of quilts, all of which have been handmade. They displayed samples of the quilts which are given out to people seeking help through Anglicare’s Homelessness services in Goulburn.
“Some families are escaping domestic violence and may come into the refuge with nothing, so these quilts are items that they immediately have ownership of and can give comfort and security,” explained Toni Reay, Manager of Anglicare’s Housing and Homelessness services. “The quilts are also given to new mothers who have just had babies. These beautiful quilts are a real reflection of community kindness and support.”
Ms Goward was also encouraged by the support given by the quilting group. “It was great to spend time with a group of volunteer quilters who meet monthly to put together beautiful handmade quilts for the homeless. Each quilt is beautifully made and will be treasured by people accessing the homelessness services who so often have nothing. The group are also in need of cotton fabric to quilt with so I have promised to go through my cupboards. I encourage people to do the same. They will be very grateful.”
Anglicare assisted hundreds of people through our Homelessness Support services across NSW, and around 80 participants in through our Disability services in Goulburn Mulwaree in the last year.
