IN gratitude and in appreciation of Ken Gash, co-founder of Shepparton’s rehabilitation centre – The Cottage – family, friends and centre residents came together on Friday, October 21 to pay homage to the much-loved philanthropist and successful local businessman who recently passed away.
Determined to provide a safe and stable accommodation opportunity for local people experiencing drug and alcohol addiction, Ken and his wife Helma, along with Rob and Trish Bryant initiated the affordable and accessible rehabilitation centre in the heart of Shepparton, which has positively changed the lives of many, who would have otherwise fallen through the cracks.
To date, The Cottage has helped 400 people with its addiction rehabilitation program with a commendable 50 percent success rate.
Personally, rolling up his sleeves to develop programs that provided residents with the opportunity to work, gain employment and refine life skills, Ken orchestrated crews of residents to also engage in community work including helping farmers and landowners to rebuild fences in the Corryong region after the 2020 bushfires as well as sandbagging in Shepparton and Rochester in response to the devasting floods.
Co-founder of The Cottage, Rob Bryant said, “Ken was a can-do person. If we needed something done or wanted to build on how we could assist the recovery of our residents, Ken was there and getting on with it.
“We will miss him dearly, but he has left a powerful legacy which we will continue to honour.”
A plaque in commemoration of Ken’s remarkable contribution and leadership in assisting those suffering from the disease of addiction was unveiled by Ken’s son Shaun on Friday, October 21 at The Cottage, with Ken’s wife Helma, standing alongside.
