General News
7 February, 2025
Woodbine's capacity grows
Woodbine has celebrated the official opening of its new-build in Craig Avenue, Senator Jana Stewart having attended the proceedings.
The spacious new home awaits five residents for the six-bedroom home, leaving one sleepover room available for staff.
The project had a total cost of $2.7 million and was made possible by $1.2 million in funding from the federal government, a co-contribution of $1.5 million from Woodbine Inc and the remaining funding coming from community donations.
Woodbine CEO Jason Minter said this initiative and the outcomes achieved over a four-year period were testament to Woodbine’s resilience and fortitude to “stay the course”.
"We thank local businesses and the families of Yarriambiack and Horsham who stood by our side with patience and encouragement," Mr Minter said.
"What makes this initiative so special is the ability for people with a disability to access cost-effective state-of-the-art infrastructure and new technologies that are second to none in north-west Victoria."
Senator Stewart congratulated Woodbine on its commitment to supporting regional Victorians.
"As someone who grew up in regional Victoria, I understand the impact that community infrastructure can have on enhancing the livability of regional communities and economies," she said.
infrastructure we need to thrive."
Woodbine president Ian Penny welcomed everyone to this "historic occasion".
"At long last it's officially open for residents," Mr Penny said.
During his speech he referred to longtime Woodbine contributors Joan and Ben Bentley, whose last name will forever be known in the community after the home was named after them.
Mrs Bentley was convinced by a friend to join the ladies' auxiliary when they first moved to Warracknabeal, going on to hold the roles of president and secretary for many years.
Mr Bentley soon joined Woodbine's committee and eventually became a life member.
Also attending the official proceedings was Member for Lowan Emma Kealy, Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster and Yarriambiack Shire mayor Kylie Zanker.
Dr Webster said she remembered turning the sod for this particular project with then CEO Bernie O'Connor.
Cr Zanker said as a council, having an organisation like Woodbine in the community was rewarding.
"When council offers letters of support for funding and purpose-focused projects and to support Woodbine, we know that purposeful decisions are made with the participants at the core," she said.
"Projects such as these are never easy nor simple to accomplish, whether it's delays in the build, plans that need to be amended, additional compliance or other associated works.
"However, underpinning all of these projects, and at times project delays and complexities, it's evident the vision for participants to be more independent and have a greater choice over how they live their lives and reach their aspirations is the driving force and determination for Woodbine to strive forward."
After a tour of the residence, Senator Stewart joined Mr Minter, Mr Penny, Cr Zanker and Ms Kealy to turn the sod on the vacant block that once housed Harrop Lodge, named after inaugural Woodbine committee president Tom Harrop.
The group then travelled to Woodbine's residential units located in Lyle Street, Yarriwood, where they toured another new-build and saw "Macca's Room", which thereafter was named in honour of former Woodbine participant Andrew McKenzie.
Mr McKenzie's brother Greg unveiled the memorial plaque at the ceremony.
"When Andrew joined Woodbine, his life grew," Greg said.
"The experience he had here was great."
Mr Penny said Andrew was a much-loved resident and participant of Woodbine.
