ConnectGV building what matters

HOPES FOR NEW FACILITY … From left, ConnectGV individual support co-ordinator, Melissa Elliott, participants, Isaiah Briggs, Brendon Showell, Sarah Nikkelson, ConnectGV CEO, Carolynne Young, participant, Julie-Anne Watt and ConnectGV manager future directions, Treena Best are pining for a new building. Photo: Katelyn Morse.
HOPES FOR NEW FACILITY … From left, ConnectGV individual support co-ordinator, Melissa Elliott, participants, Isaiah Briggs, Brendon Showell, Sarah Nikkelson, ConnectGV CEO, Carolynne Young, participant, Julie-Anne Watt and ConnectGV manager future directions, Treena Best are pining for a new building. Photo: Katelyn Morse.
HOPES FOR NEW FACILITY … From left, ConnectGV individual support co-ordinator, Melissa Elliott, participants, Isaiah Briggs, Brendon Showell, Sarah Nikkelson, ConnectGV CEO, Carolynne Young, participant, Julie-Anne Watt and ConnectGV manager future directions, Treena Best are pining for a new building. Photo: Katelyn Morse.
HOPES FOR NEW FACILITY … From left, ConnectGV individual support co-ordinator, Melissa Elliott, participants, Isaiah Briggs, Brendon Showell, Sarah Nikkelson, ConnectGV CEO, Carolynne Young, participant, Julie-Anne Watt and ConnectGV manager future directions, Treena Best are pining for a new building. Photo: Katelyn Morse.

CONNECTGV has been providing options for local people with a disability and their families since 1953. It has grown and evolved over the years, always with a focus on choice for individuals.

To ensure ConnectGV continues to build on what matters, its board, executive and management team have been working toward achieving their strategic goals through strong business cases to inform decision-making for the future direction of the service.

One of ConnectGV’s goals is to be a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider of choice. In order to improve client experience, the facilities and building requires significant capital outlay and the new building will be constructed across the road from the current ConnectGV administration offices in Bowenhall Street.

This facility will assist future school leavers under the NDIS to enhance their skills and independence, obtain work experience and forge a pathway into ConnectGV social enterprises and potentially mainstream employment. Most importantly, the new facility places emphasis on meeting clients with high support needs.

ConnectGV CEO, Carolynne Young said, “We are acutely aware of the need to move with the times in order to meet client requirements. There remains a real requisite to provide a safe and secure space that enables delivery of programs to cater for all abilities.

“The time has come to act on what has become a very tired, out of date and beyond refurbishment facility.”

Along with planning there has been much work to secure funding for the redevelopment. Liberal Candidate for Shepparton, Cheryl Hammer has put this on the agenda and can see the value of this project within her electorate and Shadow Minister for Disability, the Hon Tim Bull has also supported the importance of this facility within our community.

It is hoped that funds can be secured, with building commencement next year and plans to open the doors in 2020.