An Ocean Grove specialist disability accommodation project has a new plaque recognising special members of the community.
The plaque was installed at the specialist disability accommodation residence, officially opened last year on August 27, following a $6500 donation by the Lions Club of Ocean Grove Barwon Heads.
Former president Graham Mulroney said the plaque recognised the three key people from the club who drove the project from the beginning but died before the plaque’s installation.
“Ed Corless is the donor of land that we used in another part of Ocean Grove to raise money for this project,” he said.
“Bill Willocks was the project manager for our work to raise funds, and John Brady was the energy and leadership for the project.
“All three were modest people, but I think they would be very proud of how the project has been completed, and we’re delighted to see them recognised in that way.
“It’s just wonderful and it’s been an objective of our club for many years to develop housing for community benefit and we’re just delighted to see it completed.”
President Dr Bob Marmion said the club aimed to help ensure people living with a disability had a place they could call home in the community.
“Our club is deeply proud the plaque dedicates the building to the three Lions Club members who have passed,” he said.
“Ed Corless, Bill Willocks and John Brady provided the initiative, leadership and ongoing commitment to ensure the project produced this wonderful result.”
genU chief executive Clare Amies said the specialist disability accommodation was a beautiful and modern residence that residents were “very proud to call home”.
“We are grateful for this successful community partnership and making another step towards building genuinely inclusive communities,” she said.
“genU puts clients at the centre of everything we do, and I know the Lions Club members put the community at the centre of all its important work.
“We also share the belief that people with disability need access to their community, and appropriate modern housing gives residents and their families confidence, ease and self-respect.”
The home currently has one vacancy available, and people can visit genu.org.au/services/disability-services/housing-and-living-supports/ocean-grove for more information.