Grants help Darling Downs service providers plan

Disability service providers on the Darling Downs will receive more than $78,000 to improve and enhance the way they deliver services to people with a disability.

Four non-government organisations in the region will share in $78,878 to develop or enhance strategic and/or operational plans.

Disability Services Minister Warren Pitt said better planning would help the organisations continue to deliver quality services to people with a disability.

“Helping organisations plan for the future ensures they stay relevant, meet the needs of service users and can sustain their services into the future,” Mr Pitt said.

The funds were made available under Disability Services Queensland’s Organisational Planning Initiative, which is part of the Strengthening Non-government Organisations (SNGO) strategy.

Thirty-five non-government organisations around Queensland will share in $558,670 as part of this initiative.

The organisations to receive funding on the Darling Downs are:
• Anuha Lifestyle Enhancement Services, Gatton – $24,950
• Granite Belt Support Services, Stanthorpe – $8,973
• St Vincent de Paul, Toowoomba South – $20 000
• Salvation Army, Toowoomba South – $24,955

Disability Services Queensland’s SNGO strategy comprises four ongoing initiatives to increase sector capacity, develop the workforce, enhance organisational planning skills and acquire or replace assets.

“This innovative strategy adopts a strength-based development approach to building robust and vibrant community service organisations, rather than dwelling on problems and deficiencies,” Mr Pitt said.

“A total of $30 million in recurrent funding has been targeted to strengthen the capability of non-government organisations to provide high quality disability services.”

Media contact: Peter Nibbs 3235 4280