Kids Plus to build new centre at Deakin

KIDS Plus is looking forward to moving into a home that is three times larger, announcing their new $3 million facility will be located at Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus.

The foundation is collaborating with Deakin on the Kids Plus Foundation Centre for Therapy, Research and Training, which will be built on a site only metres away from the university’s School of Medicine – the location of Friday’s announcement.

Construction on the facility, designed by Geelong firm Baade Harbour Australia, is expected to start in November of this year, and it will be open to clients in January 2020.

The centre, which Deakin has granted a no-cost lease for 20 years, is being funded by $1.47 million previously announced by the federal government’s Building Better Regions Fund and a $750,000 grant from the Anthony Costa Foundation.

Kids Plus chief executive officer Shaun Cannon said the foundation was committed to supporting children and young adults with disabilities reach their potential.

“The collaboration with Deakin University will build capacity, foster service delivery innovation and enhance our ability to provide the best supports possible.

“Our new centre will have a significant positive impact for families and allied health practitioners across our region.”

Deakin Executive Dean for the Faculty of Health Professor Brendan Crotty said he was delighted to welcome the centre onto the Waurn Ponds campus.

“It’s a fantastic win for Geelong to see the co-location of two local organisations leading the way in ensuring kids of all abilities have the best start in life.

“Kids Plus has already been working with the Deakin Child Study Centre on its innovative AllPlay program, which aims to make the world fit for all kids, and we see some great potential links into our new Institute for Healthcare Transformation.”

Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson said the new centre would be “life-changing” for hundreds of children every year.

“Geelong is the home of the National Disability Insurance Agency, with the $120 million headquarters under construction.

“I am so proud of the many ways our government is supporting people with a disability across our region.”