Tonight I give a shout-out to Kirinari community and disability services in the Blue Mountains. I recently met with Kirinari in Katoomba to hear about the work that it does to support some of our most disadvantaged community members. I met Greg and the very dedicated team. They provide a range of disability services. Kirinari first began with four residents in a leased house in the 1980s. It has diversified over time to offer a broader range of human services like community housing; healthy ageing, including home care packages and Commonwealth home support programs; veterans' services; children and youth services, including out-of-home care; transport services; and health services.
It was good to learn about the disability services in particular and what Kirinari does to genuinely empower people in the community to live a fulfilled life aligned with their goals. Kirinari is based in Katoomba but works across the State. The service deals with a number of vulnerable clients. I had the opportunity to visit a day program, where I saw what happens when people who are isolated and suffer a number of disabilities come together and undertake a range of programs. Programs include a woodwork service, learning to cook or, for a group of older men who do not have family in the community, just sitting together to have a bit of a chat and connect.
Kirinari community services in the Blue Mountains is also heavily focused on the housing crisis at the moment. The team has talked to me about sourcing homes so it can support people through an assisted living arrangement or innovative community housing models, which often operate in rural and regional communities, and contribute to a solution. It is often difficult to sit down and hear about people who struggle in our communities, and it is such a highlight when services offer up solutions and feel positive about connecting people. The team obviously wanted to fill me in on its work, introduce me to some of its clients and talk through some of the issues.
It is my absolute pleasure to stand in this place and acknowledge the team at Kirinari community services. The team members do not seek that acknowledgement or seek awards. They are a group of wonderful team players, who pull together and put smiles on the faces of people. A small bus brings those people to the centre, and they participate in a course, have a bit of a laugh and a cup of tea, and then they are transported home. I give a shout-out to Greg, who manages the team. He has a huge geographical area to cover. Meeting someone who has such a positive view on life made my day. I thank Greg and Kirinari community services for all that they do. I look forward to supporting them into the future.
