New disability service body opens up in the Goldfields

An established regional disability service provider has opened its first office in Kalgoorlie-Boulder to help fill the gaps in service delivery in the Goldfields.

Empowering People in Communities has been delivering employment and accommodation support, respite services, community inclusion assistance and more to the Pilbara since 2012 after a reference group of families identified the need for a locally based and consistent service provider.

EPIC chief executive Stephanie Soter was in Kalgoorlie-Boulder this week and said the not-for-profit had jumped at the opportunity to establish a presence in the region.

“We decided we would set up an office in Kalgoorlie and we were fortunate to bring on two very experienced and local community leaders who have worked in disability services for many years,” she said. “It’s a very exciting time for us because we have this great space and are planning on being here for the long-term.

“I have a vested interest, having a daughter with a disability as well, so I am really keen to see us continue to provide really strong and good quality disability services.”

Since moving into the new EPIC Kalgoorlie office at the Wilson Street Family Centre, Ms Soter said the team had been meeting other service providers to identify the needs of families and carers.

“We certainly have not come here to take over other services, but to complement what is already here and partner with other stakeholder groups,” she said.

“Our strategic long-term goal is ‘inclusion is happening’ and we really want to be present in that space in Kalgoorlie and promote inclusion across all mediums.”

Ms Soter said EPIC had experience in working with people from all cultures and backgrounds, and the team looked forward to engaging with the Aboriginal community. “Forty per cent of the people we support identify as Aboriginal,” she said.

EPIC is also hoping to deliver support in Esperance, with people and culture manager Kaleena Cruickshank saying families and carers felt the range of services in the coastal town were limited.

“With Activ exiting Esperance, they are saying the options are now gone but we think that to empower people is to give them options and choice,” she said.