The community group award recognises groups that make a significant contribution to their community, share a strong sense of team spirit and play a vital role in enhancing the social, economic, commercial and environmental prosperity of their region.
Goulburn Options was established by families and community members more than 30 years ago to support people with disability in Seymour and district.
The organisation has developed into a professional service provider supported by government funding.
Disability services manager Megan Hill said despite growth and development, the organisation retained its heart, with a warm and close-knit community of staff, participants, families and community supporters.
‘‘People living with disability in rural areas, especially those with intellectual disability, are at risk of isolation and lack of opportunity,’’ she said.
‘‘Through Goulburn Options there has been a pathway to activities, friendships, and community involvement.’’
The organisation runs several programs including the Go Art Program, which nurtures artists and builds confidence for self-expression, the Go Floral team deliver fresh flowers to more than 60 local businesses, Go Ragz provides recycled rags for commercial use and the op shop serves the local community while providing retail experience for Goulburn Options participants.
There are 68 participants accessing services and supports from Goulburn Options but the rollout of the NDIS is increasing the demand for the service.
‘‘Goulburn Options is a significant employer in Seymour with 45 staff. This number is increasing in response to the NDIS development,’’ Ms Hill said.
‘‘The secret to the success of Goulburn Options is the wonderful staff and generous community support. The staff are all very experienced and long-term members of the team.
‘‘Their sensitive care and affection for their participants has changed the life and wellbeing of many, enhanced quality of life and helped participants to reach their full potential.’’
Ms Hill said funding for the organisation was now through NDIS payments and community fundraising, but in the early days it was a struggle to find funding and qualified staff.
‘‘Fundraising has always been a core activity for the organisation and Seymour and district has been strong in its support,’’ she said.
‘‘Home-grown staff have undergone training and the organisation now has a very high number of local people with qualifications in disability.
‘‘Good management of resources has allowed Goulburn Options to slowly build a base and acquire its own facilities.
‘‘In the past year the organisation has moved into a newly refurbished building in the centre of town, the realisation of a long-held dream to become more integrated with the main township.’’