THE first of the State Government’s Future Jobs Fund grants has been awarded to disability support service Minda to establish a regional office in Mount Gambier.
The $250,000 grant will help Minda expand its support services to people living with disability in the Limestone Coast region and is expected create around 100 direct jobs.
Minda will contribute $330,000 to the project, which the organisation said is expected to inject around $7m into the local economy.
The $200m Future Jobs Fund was announced as part of the 2017/18 state budget to drive employment in key growth industries.
Employment Minister Kyam Maher said the funding was a “huge coup” for the Limestone Coast.
“Labor is committed to creating more job opportunities for people living in the Limestone Coast region, as well as improving the lives of people living with a disability,” Mr Maher said.
Disabilities Minister Katrine Hildyard said demand for Minda’s range of services was expected to grow with the rollout of the NDIS.
“From the start of this month, the National Disability Insurance Scheme began rolling out in Mount Gambier and the Limestone Coast ahead of next year’s full implementation,” she said.
“This will create an estimated 350 new jobs in the region.”
Minda chief executive Cathy Miller said the opening of a Mount Gambier office would strengthen Minda’s regional presence.
“The new office will meet the growing demand for local access to a range of day options programs, in-home support, advice, advocacy, training packages, allied health services and recreation and leisure activities for adults and children of all ages,” Ms Miller said.
“This will fill a gap in local support.”
Minda will now engage families and the local community to finalise the types of support and programs needed.
