Friday, August 6, marked the official opening of Tulgeen's latest supported living housing residence in the township of Bega called the Elliot Lane Apartments for people living with disability.
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The official ceremonial ribbon was cut by some of the residents who are either moving in, or considering moving into the residency in September with Bega MP Andrew Constance and Outgoing Tulgeen CEO Jen Russell.
Ms Russell, who retired today, said the planning process begun when they approached Mr Constance and although the effort to secure funding was not easy, it was with his advocacy at state level and "deep personal support and commitment to people with disability and their families in the Valley," that funding was provided.
The residence will also provide the opportunity of employment for 40 people in the Bega Valley and the $4 million that went into the build has also gone back into the community through hiring local contractors and businesses.
Gordon Building Design were one of those local businesses involved in the build and had to work to very strict standards to provide plans for the accessible housing facility.
"There is no doubt that this is far better than opening any bridge, or any road, or any train," said Mr Constance, "because what stems from today is further opportunity for people with disability who have had to endure so many human rights breaches in this country over such a long period of time."
"At its core any disability support system should be about choice and control and we haven't seen that in Australia, we still don't see that with the NDIS which breaks my heart because that person-centred approach should be what we are all striving for." he said.
Member for Eden-Monaro MP Kristy McBain also spoke and recognised the huge contribution that Tulgeen has made to the Bega Valley becoming an area well-known for its high standards in disability support.
Bega Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick said, "Council is committed to all people having equal opportunities to take part in all local activities and have access to all services and resources."
He said that the 2016 Census reported that 6% of the Shire's population required assistance in their daily lives due to disability, but that Council's planning around disability would be updated according to the 2021 Census on August 10. He said that he imagines that those statistics might actually be much higher.
"Today we are here at Elliot Lane, these apartments will fill a need within the community to provide permanent staff and appropriate housing in Bega for up to ten of our community members," he said.
Tulgeen staff said on the day that the main aim of the design was to set it up to feel like a small village.
There are a number of different living arrangement options at the apartment facility.
There is a home offering communal living available to four residents.
There is one two bedroom apartment with an additional sleepover room for a staff member and there are four one bedroom apartments with a sleepover room.
Then there is also a community gathering space complete with a large dining table, sofas, television, a commercial kitchen and a sleepover room and office for employees.
Residents will be able to access the communal living space whenever they like.