Group needs house

THE Nambour community has the ability to help intellectually challenged men as local organisation The Teralpa Association looks for a property in the area that could house a respite facility and office.

Founded around 40 years ago, the Association houses 19 intellectually challenged men aged 16-65 in two residences on the Coast, and are looking to expand to provide a get away for its clients.

The non-for-profit organisation currently has residences in Mapleton and Bli Bli, with Nambour being the perfect location to provide the 11 men in Mapleton with a place of independence and seclusion.

Though supported by the State Government, particularly by Member for Nicklin Peter Wellington, the organisation only gains enough to pay for the wages of its 16 employees, with money coming out of Teralpa's limited reserves for property and outgoing expenses.

Teralpa Association manager Stuart Steele said the aim of the office and respite centre in Nambour would be to give the men some inclusion and independence in the Nambour community.

"We used to have a respite facility in Flaxton that we lost around nine months ago.

"We want to replicate what was done in Flaxton and allow our clients to have accessibility to community inclusion in Nambour.

"We want to give them independence and some time to get away if they need it."

Mr Steele said the Association was looking for a property with around four bedrooms, a backyard, and rent at about $250.

"Having a facility in Nambour would be ideal for our clients to get out and do things," he said.

"We're not going to be fussy; we just need some kind of facility that the Department of Communities can then approve for us to use it."

Mr Wellington is urging anyone who can help to come forward.

"We're asking for help from the wider community and someone who may have a property that would suit."

Call 54457332 if you can help.