People with disability on the Sunshine Coast have a brighter future thanks to a new learning and lifestyle centre at Lake Kawana in Bokarina.
Speaking at the official opening of Endeavour Foundation’s new service, Disability Services Minister Tracy Davis said 25 people with a disability, their families and carers would benefit from the new facility.
“This service will focus on supporting people to engage in community-based activities, along with some life skill development programs on-site,” Ms Davis said.
“These types of activities and programs go a long way towards helping people with disability to build independence, confidence, self-esteem and interpersonal skills. To deliver this service, the Queensland Government has continued to partner with the Endeavour Foundation, who has been providing disability services on the Sunshine Coast for 50 years.”
Endeavour Foundation CEO David Barbagallo said the organisation was proud to mark its 50th anniversary on the Sunshine Coast region by moving the Kunda Park Learning and Lifestyle to a wonderful location in the heart of the community services precinct on Lake Kawana.
“This means people can interact with a wide range of community members, with ready access to public transport, a number of community organisations nearby and the chance to try sports on and around the lake,” Mr Barbagallo said.
“We must improve opportunities for people with a disability to be included in all aspects of life because inclusion is the driving philosophical force behind national disability reform.
“Kawana Waters Learning and Lifestyle is a great example of what the future can hold for people with a disability, where greater choice, control and independence become a part of everyday life,” he said.
Ms Davis said the Queensland Government was committed to enabling choices and opportunities for people with disability, as outlined in the Queensland Disability Plan 2014–19.