One of the most visionary projects ever undertaken on the Gold Coast has scored two important wins – jobs for local people and a state-of-the-art centre for people with a visual impairment.
Community Services Minister Karen Struthers today officially opened the Gold Coast’s new Vision in Paradise Sight Loss Centre in Southport.
“This was a special partnership between two government departments, council and non-government organisations and it couldn’t have worked out better.
“20 Gold Coast people received on the job training and experience through our Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative and the project got off the ground under my Department’s Community Renewal program.
“All up, the State Government contributed $190,000 to redevelop the Southport Tennis Club House and turn it into a special centre for visually impaired people.
“People who were given an opportunity to work on this project were able to build up their skills and boost their job prospects. And judging by what I’ve seen here today, they’ve put their skills and training to good use.
“It’s a wonderful centre and it will make life a lot easier for people with a visual impairment,” Ms Struthers said.
The Minister said the major redevelopment included a purpose-built kitchen where visually-impaired residents of all ages can learn to cook for themselves and a training room to deliver IT courses and life skills education programs.
“It’s all about supporting safe and caring communities and delivering high quality education and training.
“Through this project, ten workers have found jobs and another ten are continuing on with their training. It’s a win for workers and a win for people with a vision impairment – it doesn’t get much better than that,” Ms Struthers said.
Member for Southport Peter Lawlor praised the project, saying the new centre would also help young local people become more self-sufficient and independent.
“Some space in the centre has also been set aside for Better Hearing Australia. They will be able to continue to do what they do best – provide help and advice to local residents with a hearing impairment,” Mr Lawlor said.
Mr Lawlor congratulated the Gold Coast City Council for setting aside $160,000 for the project.
“I also commend non-government organisations for contributing to the Centre. It’s a shining example of what can be achieved by working in partnership with each other.
“Not only have we created jobs and job opportunities, we’ve been able to deliver a state-of-the-art centre for people who need our help the most,” Mr Lawlor said.
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