CWA Evening Branch
The monthly meeting of Cowra Evening CWA branch was a barbecue held at the recently opened premises of the Ability Network in Lyall Street. Wendy Dick chaired the meeting in the absence of president, Ros Ryan. As the Deputy Chair of the 4-member board, Ruth Fagan has been deeply involved in the planning of this new development in Cowra and was able to give us some background history. The Ability Network had to leave its old premises at Cowra Hospital. The search for new premises took five years before the 5-acre block in Lyall St was purchased. Cowra now has a state-of the-art facility that is both welcoming and functional. Changes to the funding of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has allowed clients to choose the services that best meet their individual needs. The Ability Network is a not-for-profit community-based organisation and not a corporate entity.
The CEO of this facility, Shane Kruger, was our guest speaker. Shane spoke about the services he and his team of 45 disability-support workers provide. Included are two Managers who organise shifts, outings, classes, transport, as well as doing clerical tasks. Most NDIS clients are from Cowra, but clients from surrounding towns like Forbes, Young, Carcoar and Canowindra are welcome. The age range is between 10 and 70 years and the clientele is ageing. In front of the main building is a 4 Bedroom house for respite care. They have classes in cooking, woodwork, metalwork, and gardening for clients to learn and enjoy. Anybody who would like to do volunteer work in this beautiful place can call 02 6341 3575, or email, info@abilitynetwork.com.au.
When planning the furniture and fittings, Shane wanted to create a home away from home feel. The centre can be hired out for a function at night as there is a spacious kitchen, dining and lounge area. Lounges can be easily moved to create a dance floor. Receptions, parties, conferences and meetings can be held here. All local trades were used in the build. The walls are well insulated. Power is an off-grid solar system with a back-up generator. This has proved more economical.
Our BBQ was cooked by Geoffrey Casey and salads, desserts and side dishes were provided by Rowena Casey. Ruth Fagan and Wendy Dick. Members voted to donate $150 to the Ability Network. Anyone wanting to join this branch is very welcome and can join for half-price from April to September ($32.50). Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 14 May at our usual venue, Club Cowra. Winter meeting time is 6.00pm for 6.30. Guests can book in with Treasurer, Cinda Millard, at scrubbyrush@gmail.com, but need to do so no later than the Saturday before our meeting.