On Wednesday 19 May, Anglicare NSW South, NSW West & ACT’s Disability Day Centre in Crookwell was officially launched by NSW State Member for Goulburn, Wendy Tuckerman, and Upper Lachlan Shire Mayor, John Stafford. The centre began operations at the end of 2020, and is the result of a partnership with the congregation of St Bartholomew’s Anglican Church at 17 Denison Street, who generously provided their church hall as the location for the centre.
Sallyann Allport, Anglicare’s Disability Operations Manager for Southern NSW and ACT, says that the disability day centre meets a significant need in the Crookwell community. ‘As a Crookwell local myself, it’s encouraging to hear people around town say how much they appreciate the service this centre offers,’ says Ms Allport. ‘Often smaller communities miss out on services, but now participants in our service don’t have to travel to Goulburn to access this sort of support.’
Anglicare’s team at the centre provide participants with service planning, individual support, group-based activities and social connection within the local community.
Julie, 55, attends the centre as a participant, and enjoys the variety of activities offered. ‘We do so many different things here; bowling, cooking, painting, going shopping and talking,’ says Julie. ‘And the staff here are spectacular! They are very helpful and really caring. I’m really happy and wouldn’t want to go anywhere else. I live by myself and if the centre wasn’t here I’d probably just be sitting at home watching TV.’
Mayor John Stafford, Wendy Tuckerman MP, Reverend Wayne Landford, Jeremy Halcrow CEO Anglicare, Simon Bennett, Sallyann Allport
Reverend Wayne Landford from St Bartholomew’s Church is pleased to see the parish hall and kitchen facilities being used for this initiative. ‘St Bart’s has always been about Christ in the Community – showing compassion for those who cross our paths. To be out in the community and being a positive part of the world around you is what God wants us to do as a church. Together with Anglicare, that’s what this centre is all about’, says Reverend Wayne.
The centre is open four days a week from Monday to Thursday and assists four to five clients.
With the capacity to assist up to 10, Anglicare’s hope is to see this service grow so that local people who are living with a disability feel supported and integrated as part of their community.
For more information about Anglicare’s Disability services phone 4823 4000 or visit www.anglicare. com.au/disability
by Luke Reynolds, Anglicare
