It is a grassroots, not-for-profit, community organisation created with passion and determination by ordinary parents and supporters, with a mission to improve the lives of its disadvantaged citizens.
There is nothing more altruistic, generous and caring than working solely for the benefit of others.
ConnectGV has continued on that course for more than 65 years. Along the way, it has expanded and improved its services to include helping people with disabilities to find employment, accommodation, individual support and outreach services.
ConnectGV has also adapted to changing attitudes and legislation — particularly the introduction of the NDIS, which has required a whole new way of delivering and overseeing services to its clients.
The only thing limiting the organisation's vision for 21st-century care is its ageing facility.
Yesterday's turning of the first sod on its new $5.3 million facility means two things for ConnectGV.
First, it will provide vastly improved physical surroundings and deliver real-world improvements to the daily experience of its clients and staff.
Second, the service will be able to continue in its existing building while the new facility is being built just across the road. This will provide an enormous psychological boost for clients and staff, who will not to have to suffer the disruption of operating in a temporary space.
For this planning and foresight, the ConnectGV board must be congratulated.
Remarkably, the majority of the new building's funding was raised by the community.
But considering the pride and passion that has driven ConnectGV thus far, this is not so remarkable after all.
When asking for help, ConnectGV came to the table with $3 million in its back pocket, and it was supported with a 2018 election commitment of $2 million from the Nationals’ Damian Drum.
Mr Drum's commitment was made during an election campaign when the result was by no means a foregone conclusion.
He, too, is to be congratulated for seeing his commitment through, and delivering on his promise.
For the clients, staff and visionary board members of ConnectGV the future looks bright — but the hard work does not end here.
The continuous engine of fundraising now shifts its focus to raise $100 000 for specialised equipment.
We are confident the community will deliver as it always has, for such a worthy enterprise.
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