Each year, via its EOFY Appeal, GSF raises funds to support areas of need in our community.
This year, all tax-deductible donations made to the appeal will contribute to Shepparton Access’s social enterprise, Eco Store, and its dedicated hospitality training facility, Eco Café.
These social enterprises were established to provide meaningful training and employment opportunities for participants with a disability within their own community.
They foster and provide opportunities for skill-building, work experience, employment, and social and community interaction and connection.
However, they currently operate at a loss due to funding changes in the disability sector.
Shepparton Access is a registered charity and not-for-profit organisation that has been providing services and support to people with disability within the Goulburn Valley for over 30 years and currently supports 83 participants.
It is solely reliant on National Disability Insurance Scheme funding.
NDIS funding covers direct support hours only, which leaves significant overhead expenses — including the operation of Eco Café and Eco Store — unfunded, despite their important role in training, employment and social connection for people with a disability.
Amy, a participant who has been going to Shepparton Access for 20 years and loves building her skills in barista work, food preparation and customer service with Eco Café, said, “My favourite part is making coffees and working the till.”
Your donations via GSF’s EOFY Appeal will help cover the shortfall in NDIS funding that Shepparton Access’s Eco Café and Eco Store require to operate.
This will ensure they can continue to provide vital supports and wonderful opportunities to their extremely vulnerable participants.
You can donate to the EOFY Appeal by visiting our website at greatershepparton.foundation, where you can also learn more about the projects your donations have supported in the past.
Until next time.
Amanda McCulloch,
Greater Shepparton Foundation executive officer
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