- $929,564 Lotterywest grant awarded to Ability WA towards a new accessible hub in Murdoch Health and Knowledge Precinct
- Cook Government provides $125,085 funding for a Changing Places facility at the hub
- The funding aligns with the State Government’s A Western Australia for Everyone: State Disability Strategy 2020-2030
Disability Services Minister Don Punch has today presented a Lotterywest grant of $929,564 to Ability WA towards the construction of its new accessible hub in Murdoch.
Ability WA is relocating its South Hub from Canning Vale, to the new Murdoch Health and Knowledge Precinct just 12 kilometres south of Perth’s CBD.
The new Ability WA South Hub is scheduled to open in mid-2024 and will provide a convenient location for people with disability to access a comprehensive range of services.
The hub will cover more than 1,000 square metres and will include an office, a therapy centre, space for community and employment services, and administrative offices.
It will also feature a new interactive home environment to support people with disability in developing skills to transition to independent living.
The new hub is conveniently located close to public transport and nearby health services, including Fiona Stanley Hospital.
In 2022, the State Government awarded $125,085 in funding to Ability WA for the construction of a Changing Places facility at the new hub.
Changing Places are larger than standard accessible toilets which provide people with disability and high support needs access to suitable, safe and private facilities.
The funding aligns with the State Government’s commitment to building a more inclusive Western Australia as outlined in the A Western Australia for Everyone: State Disability Strategy 2020-2030.
Ability WA is a not-for-profit disability service provider that has been supporting Western Australian families for more than 70 years.
The Murdoch Health and Knowledge Precinct is being developed by the Cook Government through Development WA and will form part of a new emerging hub for health, education and technology in Perth’s southern corridor.
As stated by Minister for Disability Services Don Punch:
“As Minister for Disability Services, I am proud to announce this Lotterywest funding of almost $1 million towards the new accessible support hub for people with disability at the Murdoch Health and Knowledge Precinct.
“The Cook Government is committed to supporting people with disability and working with organisations like Ability WA to ensure all Western Australians can live meaningful lives.”
As stated by Ability WA CEO Jacquie Thomson:
“Ability WA currently works with over 1600 people living with disabilities.
“As the need for disability services in the southern corridor continues to grow rapidly, we will support our existing and new customers in the area with comprehensive services in well located, contemporary facilities, close to public transport and with access to a range of amenities.
“This generous grant will assist Ability WA to develop an accessible and multi-use space at the new Murdoch Square development.
“People with disabilities and their families will be able to access a comprehensive range of services in a single convenient location.
“Our partnership with Lotterywest, along with the support of the Minister for Disability, means we can continue to empower people to realise their abilities and thrive within their community.”
