MINISTER for Disability Services John Ajaka visited KidzWish House at Shell Cove last Thursday to hand over $220,000 for the organisation’s KidzSpeak Program.
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However, the former Minister for the Illawarra will be forced to dig a little deeper into his budget after giving a commitment to do what he can to help KidzWish with its new $3-million centre planned for Flinders.
Mr Ajaka was given an overview of plans for the facility by KidzWish founder Chris Beaven.
The new home for KidzWish, to replace the Shell Cove base, is proposed for a site owned by Shellharbour City Council in Adam Murray Way.
The plans include office administration rooms, therapy rooms, a gym and a covered play area.
Mr Ajaka welcomed the commitment from the council and the community for the project.
He said Thursday’s funding announcement for the KidzSpeak program would ‘‘be very welcome news for many disadvantaged children, along with their parents and carers’’.
KidzWish, a self-funded non-government organisation, delivers therapies and recreational activities for disadvantaged children and those with a disability.
Its KidzSpeak program, launched in response to the three-year waiting list for speech therapy, aims to ensure children receive the therapy they need.