Permanent home opens new chapter for disability support group
P2P Chair Eric Greentree, Bernadette Hervey (Deputy Director General Commissioning at the Dept of Families, Seniors and Disability Services and Child Safety) and CEO Jodi Wolthers cut the ribbon.
Parent to Parent Queensland has opened a permanent new home in Nambour, marking a major milestone for an organisation that has spent 28 years supporting people with disability and their families from a series of rented and uncertain premises.
The new office at 5 Daniel Street was officially opened on Friday (May 15), with staff, volunteers, families, supporters and representatives from the disability sector gathering to celebrate what speakers described as much more than a change of address.
Board chairman Eric Greentree said the move represented a turning point for the organisation, which began around a kitchen table and had operated from several locations over the years.
“All this achievement has been done working from rented accommodation with uncertainty of tenure and continuity and even building sites from time to time,” Mr Greentree said.
He recalled one former site beside a pub as a difficult time, after nearby work affected wheelchair access.
“So today owning this building represents far more than just the bricks and mortar and timber, but it represents security, permanency, stability and, most importantly, a true sense of belonging,” he said.
Mr Greentree said Parent to Parent had built its reputation through word of mouth, listening to people with disability and their families, and supporting them to achieve their goals.
“Today is not simply the opening of an office, it’s the opening of a permanent home for an organisation committed to standing alongside people with disability and their families,” he said.
Assistant Director-General Commissioning, Department of Families, Seniors and Disabilities, Bernadette Hervey, officially opened the office on behalf of Director-General Belinda Drew.
She congratulated the board, staff and supporters on reaching the milestone.
“It’s wonderful to really see and hear about the value that you bring to the local community and your focus on inclusion,” Ms Hervey said. “There are so many passionate and committed people who have obviously worked tirelessly in this space.”
The day also highlighted the work of Loud & Clear, a self-advocacy group supported by Parent to Parent. Members spoke about gaining confidence, making choices, finding employment and helping to lead Queensland’s largest inclusive conference.
One member said the group had been going strong for 11 years and had helped people with disability speak up for themselves and others.
This year’s Power in Action conference will be held on Thursday, October 8 and Friday, October 9 at the Maroochy Community Centre, with the theme “Be heard, be bold, be the change”.
“Having conferences led by people with disabilities for all abilities is important because it gives us a chance to share our stories, feel included and have a real say in what our rights and choices are,” a speaker said.
Mr Greentree said Parent to Parent would now seek grants to improve lighting, access and potentially add solar panels to help manage electricity costs.
“Welcome to the next chapter and let’s get excited about what comes next,” he said.
