The NSW Government has today announced $100,000 in funding for a community organisation in Penrith, which provides referral and advocacy services to people with a disability.
Minister for Disability Services, Andrew Constance, said the funds would go towards a new advocate position at the Penrith Disabilities Resources Centre, to cope with the growing demand for services in the area.
“When this centre opened in 1988, there were 1000 calls for assistance. Now, the PDRC is handling 6000 enquiries a year,” Mr Constance said.
\”Demand for disability services is increasing by around 9 per cent. The system is under an incredible amount of stress, but the O’Farrell Government is facing the challenge head-on.”
Denise Roberts, co-ordinator at the Penrith Disabilities Resources Centre, welcomed the $100,000 in funding.
“We advocate on behalf of all people with every type of disability and provide assistance, from sourcing appropriate services for their needs, gaining access to information or investigating alternative solutions and exploring the consequences to taking a particular course of action,” Ms Roberts said.
“We want to make sure people with a disability know they are not alone. This advocacy position will make a difference towards us achieving this goal.”
Penrith MP Stuart Ayres said the PDRC is a vital service for people with a disability in western Sydney.
“The centre works with local residents and people with all types of disabilities, to ensure the most vulnerable in our community get the services they need.”
