Minister opens long-awaited respite centre in Innisfail

Respite services for people with a disability in Innisfail received a welcome boost today with the official opening of the Endeavour Foundation’s new overnight respite centre.

Disability Services Minister Warren Pitt said the opening of the Innisfail Respite Service in Emmaus House on Charles Street was a milestone, not just for people with a disability and their families but also for the people of Innisfail.

“This centre should have been operating since last April but it was delayed for several months by Cyclone Larry,” Mr Pitt said.

“The building sustained flood damage during the cyclone and then it was used to provide emergency housing for the cyclone-hit Innisfail Youth and Family Care. So opening the centre has taken a bit longer than expected, but it has certainly been worth the wait.”

Mr Pitt officially opened the centre today in a ceremony that was one of several events held to mark the first anniversary of Cyclone Larry.

“Opening this respite centre on Cyclone Larry’s first anniversary is a potent symbol of the rebuilding of the Innisfail community,” Mr Pitt said.

“It is also a wonderful and much-needed service that will offer families and carers a vital break from their crucial role of caring for a loved one with a disability.”

The centre will provide overnight accommodation for five people and will supplement the existing service provided by the Innisfail District Flexi Respite Association.

The Queensland Government will provide more than $450,000 annually to run the centre on top of more than $100,000 that was granted in one-off funding to fit-out the building.

Mr Pitt congratulated the Endeavour Foundation for opening the new centre.

“For the past 56 years, the Endeavour Foundation has played a crucial role in the day-to-day lives of many people with a disability, their families and carers,” he said.

“About 3,000 Queenslanders with a disability receive support and care from the foundation through more than 250 sites across Queensland and we are more than happy to support the foundation’s great work.”

Media contact: Peter Nibbs 3235 4280 or 0417 789 208