Support service celebrates anniversary

ONE of the region’s disability support services turns a quarter of a century this year.

Staff, customers and community celebrated the 25th anniversary of Pinarc Disability Support on Tuesday afternoon, coinciding with International Day of People with Disability.

Acknowledging the milestone at the organisation’s English Street hub at Golden Point, CEO Peter Newsome said the occasion was an exciting testament to what the organisation has achieved.

“Today we celebrate inclusive communities and our work in the community,” he said.

“I think we have a strong rapport with the community and work with people through hardships and celebrations.

“In the last 10 years, we’ve seen an influx of services with NDIS being here. There’s often poor public perception around it, but I can carefully say it’s a far better world for people with a disability, but very complex.”

Mr Newsome pointed to the organisation’s early intervention services, where people from several months old to aged two are assisted, as a particular highlight of Pinarc’s offerings.

Established in 1999, the organisation opened following the partnership of four disability support services, Noah’s Ark Toy Library, Playhouse Early Childhood Intervention Services, Interchange Central Highlands, and Recreation Connection.

According to the organisation’s 2024 annual report, Pinarc supports more than 1500 customers across five locations, and delivered nearly 140,000 hours of NDIS services in the last financial year.

“One of the things that’s been very clear to me is the connection we have with the community of Ballarat,” Mr Newsome said.

“I walk up and down Sturt Street and someone recognises what we do and the important story and role we serve in the community.”

Alongside lunch, coffee, farm animals, and the chance for a catchup, attendees were invited to send Mr Newsome falling into icy waters with a dunk tank challenge.

One of the celebrants, Mark Ross, has worked as a support worker at Pinarc for about a decade, initially coming on board to participate in the organisation’s music workshop.

“It’s been a very pleasant environment and working with these guys is such a joy,” he said. “It’s great to slow down and have a bit of fun together like this.

“Pinarc used to have a group called Funky Turtles which had been going for a while. That was the door into disability support for me.”