Bundaberg's Southern Cross Support Services (SCSS) could soon be moving to a new location, providing a range of NDIS and support services all under the one roof.
The organisation has lodged a development application for a Material Change of Use for a community care centre over the former Avoca Aldi building .
According to the organisation's CEO Cheryl Barrett, if approved, more than 120 staff would be included in the move to the building dubbed ‘The Network' in Bundaberg West.
“Our new office location will be situated in Bolewski Street, which was once the space that housed Aldi Supermarket,” she said.
“It is a large building and will not only be used for Southern Cross Support Service office space, it will also include a range of our partnership businesses.”
“Once up and running, The Network will feature our team along with Access Support Coordination, All Plan Management, Our Plan Manager, Southern Cross Family Day Care, CYF (Child, Youth and Family Services) BlueSummer Properties and more.”
SCSS is a NDIS provider which also offers Child, Youth and Family Services.
Cheryl said the proposed new office would create a “one-stop-shop” for all clients.
“Not only will we have everything for our clients under the one roof, The Network will also include a fantastic Crib, which is a laidback and relaxed space for our clients to hang out in whenever they like,” she said.
“The Crib includes a commercial kitchen, gaming room, a theatre room and more.”
Bundaberg Disability service continues to grow
The local disability services provider, which was established almost a decade ago by Greg and Karen Gaston, has grown exponentially over the years.
“Southern Cross Support Services started in Bundaberg and we now have more than 1100 staff across the state and beyond,” Cheryl said.
“We work from Northern NSW to Cairns and out to Emerald and Kingaroy.
“Our offices are situated in Beenleigh, Caboolture, Gympie, Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Rockhampton, Mackay, Cairns and soon Townsville.”
Cheryl said with the growth of the organisation continuing, the decision to relocate the Bundaberg head office was one that was high on the to-do list.
“It is definitely a very exciting time for us.”
The Network building will be leased from Bluesummer Properties, which is also involved in a number of other developments in the region.
“This is the same company who build our Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), purpose built homes for our clients,” Cheryl said.
“BlueSummer’s first build of four units, begins construction soon in Water Street, Bundaberg and should be finished by Christmas.
“They also have a number of SDA units starting in the Fraser Coast and will continue with planned builds for client right across the state.”
Dedicated staff keep organisation going strong
Cheryl said 2021 was moving quickly for the organisation with the growth and success that SCSS had so far experienced was all down to one thing, our staff.
“Our staff are fantastic, and we are very proud of them” she said.
“They are committed, passionate and supportive”.
“Our clients are part of our family and our staff go the extra mile for them, helping them achieve what they want from their life.
“Our staff and the care they give to our clients is the heartbeat of this organisation; our team always showcase an enormous amount of hard work and dedication in everything they do.”
To find out more about Southern Cross Support Services click here.
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