A $2.5M UPGRADE TO IMPROVE DISABILITY SUPPORT IN BRISBANE’S WEST

In less than 12 months after merging with Help Enterprises (HELP), a Brisbane based not-for-profit, the McIntyre Centre is about to undergo big improvements to benefit even more locals with disability and their families.

Based in Pinjarra Hills, McIntyre Centre provides equine assisted therapy for young people with disability and currently supports around 130 young riders. McIntyre centre enjoys continued community support from over 100 volunteers.

The Centre provides learning and life skills day programs, assistance to access the community and equine assisted therapeutic programs (riding and groundwork), all of which will benefit from a direct investment from HELP of $2.5 million for upgrades and expanding facilities.

The upgrade will include a larger and new main arena, a new barn for storing feed and vet supplies and a safe place for horse management. New offices for staff and volunteers are also planned.

Safety upgrades will include a First Aid room, improved parking and drop off zone facilities. An all-weather laneway will connect paddocks, to the main arenas and open up use during hot and rainy days, leading to more children being accommodated regardless of weather conditions.

The caretaker cottage currently being used to provide day programs will be renovated and will house a new community cafe, therapy rooms for the provision of allied health services and improved disability bathroom facilities.

Included in the plan is for HELP to acquire a 3-acre property adjacent to McIntyre’s spelling paddocks on Boyle Road. This new site would offer exciting prospects for HELP to create another disability hub facility providing a complete suite of disability support services, including life skills activities, recreational programs, allied health and short stay respite care.

This Hub will offer a “farm style” respite accommodation service less than 20 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD.

The partnerships with 13 key Special Schools and other Special Education Units, continues to enable young people with disability access to complimentary horse riding and social programs necessary for learning and personal development, including building their confidence and improving physical wellbeing.

Managing Director of Help Enterprises, Kerry Browne said “The improvements to the riding program which is now Riding for the Disabled (RDA) accredited will allow more young people with disability to take part in and experience the unique benefits of equine assisted therapy.”

“Enhanced safety for our Centre and for the broader community is also playing a major role in all works being undertaken at McIntyre, with Main Roads agreement to install a traffic island on Moggill Road to ensure a safer crossing journey for pedestrians,” said Mr Browne.

Plans for the on-site cottage to be completely renovated and converted into a new café (open to the general public) will commence in July and will create a space for parents and volunteers to mingle and chat while support programs are running.

New therapy rooms will form part of HELP’s development of Allied Health services, to offer convenience for riding participants to access multiple disability services from one location.

HELP is currently working with Brisbane City Council on final approvals for major works to see these significant upgrades continue broadening the scope of disability support in Brisbane’s western suburbs.

HELP invites people interested to learn more about our McIntyre Centre to contact Judith Spry on (07) 3202 6300. To find out more about accessing other Help Disability Care supports and services including supported employment, recreational and social assistance, living skills and more, visit www.helpdisabilitycare.com.au.

Help Enterprises is a local Queensland-based not-for-profit and social enterprise organisation enhancing the lifestyle and independence of people with disability: www.helpenterprises.com.au.