State boosts $1m project for city disabled services

Boost: Gateways’ Rosemary Malone and Member for Western Victoria Region David O’Brien inspect plans for the new facility.Boost: Gateways’ Rosemary Malone and Member for Western Victoria Region David O’Brien inspect plans for the new facility.

By Holly Roskosch
A GOVERNMENT funding injection will help a disability services provider develop a facility worth almost $1 million in Geelong, according to its chief executive officer.
Gateways Support Services’ Rosemary Malone said the organisation wanted to build a $960,000 “family-friendly community services wing” next to its offices in Geelong West.
Ms Malone said Gateways would provide most of the funds through its Brighter Futures appeal but State Government’s $120,000 was “very helpful”.
“We’re very grateful for the support we’re getting from the Victorian Government.
“This grant will not only be very helpful for us but also to the local community.”
The new facility would provide occupational and speech therapy rooms and two soundproofed assessment spaces with one-way mirrors to record children’s behaviour during assessments.
Gateways provides services to more than 1100 children and adults with disabilities in Barwon South West region.
Ms Malone said anyone wanting to donate to the Brighter Futures appeal could phone 5221 2984 or visit www.givenow.com.au/gatewaysupportservice or www.gateways.com.au.