In late 2016, with the Eyre Street Opening Doors Project on track for completion in July 2017, the CLRS management team decided they would like to replicate the Opening Doors concept in NSW. CLRS already had 1 supported accommodation home in Moama.
In early 2017 a suitable vacant block of land (1,000m2) was identified at 33 Maiden Street Moama and subsequently purchased.
This project was a replica of the projects at Minor Street and Eyre Street, with a four-bedroom home and 2 single bed units to be developed. Smart home technology was to be used, as well as solar panels and battery storage to reduce bills and have some backup power available.
Construction began in February 2019, with a planned completion date of mid-September 2019.
CLRS again appointed a project control group which consisted of:
Leanne Willis – Board member
Michelle Allan – Board member
Erin Langman – Board member
Suzanna Barry – CEO
Chris Garth – CLRS Project Manager
Shannon Johns – Architect (Brandrick)
A virtual tour of our 3rd Opening Doors Project developed in Moama New South Wales.
The total project cost was estimated at just over $1.5 million, consisting of:
Land purchase: $260,000
Construction: $1,300,000
CLRS had access to $500,000 through fundraising and cash reserves, leaving a $1,000,000 shortfall.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme had been rolled out in late 2016 and Specialist Disability Accommodation payments introduced. This enabled CLRS to access funds to support the development of housing in the local community. Between 2017 and 2020 this funding stream contributed $500,000.
This meant that CLRS needed to raise a further $500,000 through fundraising, donations and grant applications.
Once again CLRS’s fundraising strategy included a mix of community events, grant applications, and partnerships.
Key initiatives that supported the fundraising effort were Johnno’s Run, which raised $150,000 and the Annual Fundraising Dinner which raised an additional $230,000.
With $120,000 remaining to raise the community rallied behind the organisation and the remaining funds were raised by late 2020.
CLRS again engaged local architect Brandrick Architects to design a practical and inclusive space, drawing on the expertise of the projects at Minor and Eyre Street, senior management, house managers, and support staff.
Key Design Features
AV Builders won the tender, and construction commenced in February 2019. The project was expected to be completed in September 2019, but delays meant the construction was not completed until March 2020.
The Maiden Street development was completed in March 2020, which is when the country began rolling shutdowns due to COVID 19. This had a major impact on the ability to move the clients into their new homes and host an official opening.
Due to COVID restrictions, it was impossible to host an official opening so instead CLRS worked with Radiant Media, and Board President, Brendan Hogan, to create a video that showcased the project and thanked the community for their support, available above.
The tenants moved into the homes in July 2020, about a year later than we had planned, but the small celebrations that occurred with their friends and family as they took steps towards independence were very special.
