Open Doors

Currajong Disability Services does more than many locals may realise.

Servicing Parkes, Condobolin, Forbes and surrounding regional areas, Currajong Disability Services delivers customised programs and support services designed to sustain and enhance the independence and quality of life for people with mixed abilities.

Their 51 local clients enjoy activities ranging from swimming to sewing and cooking. They also have a successful, secure paper-shredding business.

Last Thursday, they hosted their very first Open Day, taking a group of family and friends on a tour of their facilities and giving an overview of their locations.

Acting activities coordinator Lisa Dwyer said the day gave an insight into Currajong Disability Services varied activities.

“We do many things including lawn bowls, tennis, dancing, drama, karaoke and mosaics. We also have a fitness program, and great library program,” she said.

Above all, the Open Day was about educating carers and the broader community about what Currajong Disability Services does with and for their clients. They also discussed what they are doing in readiness for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

“There is a lot of ambiguity around this space, and we wanted to answer some burning questions that some carers had with regard to what it will look like, and how it may work.” CEO, Ann Hunter explained.

Carers and families were given an opportunity to attend a workshop, so Currajong Disability Services could begin to understand pressing issues from a carers perspective. One of those issues raised late last year was accommodation.

“We also discussed our pilot program which will involve assisting a group of young people to live independently in their own home. When we have spoken to the carers and families, the greatest unmet need was accommodation. We want to be able to provide more independent living and accommodation to provide life with opportunities and positive outcomes for our clients.” Ann continued to say.