Centacare Day Options participants are motoring into the new year in a fresh set of wheels, thanks to the generosity of Catholic Charities.

A new van equipped with custom features was recently delivered to Kolbe Cottage at Plympton, funded by the Catholic Church’s charitable arm which has supported disability services over many years.

The van will give clients greater flexibility to get out and about as they zip between community activities.

“We are so very grateful to Catholic Charities for supporting Kolbe Cottage with a new, adapted van,” said Fiona Clough, Team Leader.   

“This gives our participants greater independence, and more choice and control when accessing activities, which is not always possible with public transport.”

Support Worker Vinh Nguyen added: ‘’Having a second vehicle in our fleet will also enable us to transport bigger client groups as Day Options continues to grow.”

Clients were quick to give the van the thumbs up when it arrived at Kolbe just in time for Christmas.

“Vroom, vroom,’’ said one long-term participant.                          

Day Options offers an activity program for adult NDIS participants. Activities are based around clients’ individual needs, interests and lifestyle choices, and are designed to help them develop the skills necessary to achieve their goals.

Recently, clients have visited Hoyts Cinemas, enjoyed ten-pin bowling, and explored the Oaklands wetlands.

Catholic Charities funded six projects across three Centacare service units in 2021-2022, including a bathroom renovation at Auricht House which will enable the Elizabeth site to provide Supported Independent Living this year.

Known for its home-like environment, Kolbe Cottage has been providing support for young people and adults with intellectual disabilities for nearly 40 years.