How $100k project will impact lives
FOR Troy Mann, the only thing he loves more than cheering on the NRL’s Melbourne Storm is spending time outdoors in the sunshine.
The 34-year-old Toowoomba man, who lives with an intellectual impairment, loves gardening so much he has turned the hobby into a full-time profession.
So when disability service provider Multicap was awarded a government grant to assist with the expansion of its Toowoomba hub and outdoor area, Mr Mann was delighted.
“I feel free when working outdoors,” he said.
“This space will give us a chance to be outdoors,” Mr Mann said.
The new undercover patio, which measures 12m by 6m and cost $100,000, has doubled the floorspace of the hub.
Multicap chief executive officer Joanne Jessop said the expansion would allow participants to enjoy more green thumb activities.
“It’s very important that people continue to develop fine motor skills, and by gardening they learn how to look after things and how to make the plants flourish,” Ms Jessop said.
“We are so happy with the outcome – it’s an open space, it offers fresh air and it feels part of the environment with green trees and garden around us.
“There are plans to bring in a barbecue, and our customers already love the new space.”
VJAS Building executed the five-month-long construction project which was completed in February, and the space was officially opened on Wednesday.
Multicap was awarded a $35,000 grant from the Queensland Government’s Gambling Community Benefit Fund to assist with the expansion.
The organisation, which has been serving the Toowoomba’s disability community for the past 15 years, also offers day trips, as well as activities in sport and the arts field.