A generous gift of land has allowed Lifeskills Mudgee to move ahead with plans for a new $2 million home for their services to people with disabilities.
Resiland Pty Ltd director Hugh Bateman last week presented Lifeskills management committee chairman Bruce Walker with the deeds to a $150,000 property at the corner of Lions Drive and Broadhead Road.
The donation from Mr Bateman and Resiland co-director David Brayshaw will allow Lifeskills to seek State and Federal Government funding to relocate their offices and premises to Lions Drive.
Mr Walker said LifeSkills, which currently provides services for 30 clients with intellectual and physical disabilities, was extremely grateful for donation.
Mr Walker said the Perry Street premises Lifeskills had rented since 1991 were old and unsuitable for renovation.
“Some years ago we did some planning and it was obvious there was a need for a purpose-built building to serve people with disabilities, which is our purpose,” he said.
“Since 2008, we have been working towards the goal of building our own premises and this donation gives us the kickstart that makes it possible to reach that goal.
“We have been able to buy the block next to the donated block and we are receiving support from other organisations and service clubs that will help us progress further towards that goal.”
In addition to seeking government funding, Lifeskills is undertaking community fundraising with the assistance of groups such as Rotary and Lions.
Mr Walker said local architect Barbara Hickson had drawn up plans for the new building and a development application was already before Mid-Western Regional Council.
The building will include training rooms, a craft room, woodwork room, therapy room, computer rooms and a semi-commercial kitchen to be used to teach food preparation.
The building will also include four bedrooms for respite care clients and a staff bedroom.
Mr Walker said when completed, the Lifeskills building would be the only purpose-built facility for people with disabilities in the Mid-Western Region.
Unlike the Perry Street building, which is on a steep embankment, the new premises will be fully accessible for people with disabilities.
Depending on the availability of funding, the building could be ready within two years, Mr Walker said.
“Securing the land really was the first step that kick started the whole process,” he said.
Mr Walker as well as improving services to people with disabilities, the new building would provide better working conditions for Lifeskills’ 20 staff.
