MacKillop marks new chapter in Geelong

AFTER more than 20 years at its old premises in Rippleside, the MacKillop Family Services’ Geelong office now has a new home.

The community service/non-for-profit organisation recently relocated to state-of-the-art facilities in the Federal Mills Business Park.

MacKillop’s new space has been adapted to include family meeting rooms, a playground area, and facilities which enable MacKillop staff to provide foster care, family support, alternative education and disability services to vulnerable local families.

Member for Geelong Christine Couzens MP and Dr Robyn Miller, chief executive officer of MacKillop Family Services, officially opened the Federal Mills Business Park.

Dr Miller said the MacKillop community were settling in well to their new home in Geelong.

“This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for MacKillop Family Services in Geelong and reinforces our commitment to the area.

“Our programs support some of the most vulnerable in the community and we want to ensure our staff have the best working environment possible to support our foster carers and the children and families we work with.

“Despite a flurry of packing boxes, moving furniture, and relocating fleet cars, our staff worked hard to make sure that the relocation did not disrupt MacKillop’s program and service delivery within the community.”

Foster carer Rachael Buck was a guest speaker at the opening event and said she was looking forward to meeting other carers at the new facility.

“Peer support is key for foster carers. We love to meet up and share ideas on how to support each other.

“Events like Carers’ Corner, where we get together over coffee and talk to others who understand and can give advice are the lifeblood of carers.”

The new MacKillop Geelong office is located at Federal Mills E14/33, Mackey Street, North Geelong VIC 3215.