THE Ngioka Centre in Nelson Bay, a purpose built nursery for people with disabilities, has been given a reprieve.

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The centre, which according to mayor Bruce MacKenzie was losing an estimated $100,000 a year, will continue to operate under the services of the NDIS.

“Council has decided to change the way disability services and native plant propagation are delivered from the Ngioka Centre,” Mayor MacKenzie said.

“The changes were necessary to stop the financial losses.”

He said that Endeavour Group, who have been operating from the centre for a number of years and are an NDIS registered disability service provider, would coordinate all disability activities as from September 2017.

This is a huge win for people with disabilities as it ensure a high-level of care and opportunities for clients delivered from the centre.

“Council’s parks and gardens team and volunteers will coordinate the growing of native plants for the Tidy Town, Landcare and Parks and Reserves groups and the Parks Depot at Medowie.

“Some 3,000 plants will be provided to the groups each year for free based on operational cost savings from the change in service delivery.”

Mayor MacKenzie said that the $100,000 per year in savings would mean that ratepayers’ funds could be put back into parks and gardens maintenance.

The Ngioka Centre offers off-street parking, wheelchair access, external undercover work areas, kitchen facilities, activity rooms, casual hire, and plant sales.

By Charlie ELIAS