The grant was presented by NSW Minister for Disability Services, Kristina Keneally, at the Art in the Garage studio in Eden Street.

Ms Keneally described it an innovative program that offered people with disabilities from the Bega Valley the opportunity to participate in a range of art activities.

"This grant will pay for new facilities at the group's property in Eden Street, including a ceramics and sculpture studio, a printmaking studio and an open air sculpture garden and work area,” she said.

"It will also allow a further 35 people with disabilities to benefit from this worthwhile program.

"Tulgeen Disability Services also provides a number of vital disability services locally including supported accommodation, day programs and services to people with high physical support needs."

The organisation, which is the largest and most significant disability service provider in the Bega Valley, has been operating since 1977 and receives approximately $2.8 million a year in State Government support.

This includes almost $228,000 from the NSW Government for its Community Participation Program for people with high needs.

Ms Keneally said the Art in the Garage project was valuable in helping people with disabilities to develop their artistic skills.

"Artists involved in the program have had their work featured in an exhibition at the National Gallery in Canberra and are now selling their work in the commercial world.

"This is not only a great credit to them, but also to the people who showed the foresight to develop the program and those who have given of their time and expertise to help people attending the classes.

"The local community has also given strong support to Tulgeen Disability Services with voluntary labour and donations to assist with landscaping at the centre."

As part of Stronger Together, the Government has also provided more than $61,000 for a community bus that has the necessary aids to assist with the transportation of people with special needs.

Ms Keneally said that because the Bega Valley covered 6,000 square kilometres, there was substantial pressure on transport, particularly for specialised transport.