Progress, praise for grassroots housing build

A COMMUNITY-funded disability accommodation site at Ocean Grove should start construction early next year, while a local group has earned international recognition for its contribution.

Lions Club of Ocean Grove Barwon Heads is contributing $600,000 to local disability services provider genU to build a new four-bed complex at the corner of Dare Street and Presidents Avenue.

The club has set an ambitious target of beginning the build this year when confirming its project in February, but planning delays mean it is now aiming for February 2023 to break ground.

GenU is managing the construction project and has provided land for the new complex, which will replace its existing housing at the site.

Lions club project co-ordinator Howard Deane said members were confident its project would be worth the wait for its future residents.

“We’ve already found three people that will stay there,” Mr Deane said.

“They’re over the moon and are jumping through hoops, as it’s a bit run down at the moment.”

Meanwhile, the Ocean Grove-Barwon Heads club’s generosity won acclaim from Lions’ international headquarters.

Outgoing Lions International president Douglas Alexander praised the accommodation project and its contribution to the club’s “service from the heart” ethos.