Riverina Member Michael McCormack revealed the facility, which is more than seven years in the making, will share a chunk of the $4.2 million Stronger Regions funding. 

Slated for development on Gregadoo Road in Wagga, the centre will aide disabled Wagga residents by expanding their skills and helping them find employment.  

“It’s going to be an absolute game-changer, especially with NDIS rolling out as we speak,” Mr McCormack said.  

“It will provide such a meaningful difference for so many people right throughout the Riverina.”

Its proponent, non-for-profit Kurrajong Waratah (KW), expect a development application will be lodged next week for the multi-purpose centre. 

“Many of our employees with a disability are due to retire or reduce their employment over the next 5 to 10 years and the Hildasid Farm could form part of their work to retirement plans,” KW CEO Ray Carroll said. 

“This will help hundreds of families get on track and really enhance their lives.

“We encourage members of the community to come and share these facilities with us.”

It will also provide opportunities for aged care and multicultural groups to participate and use the facility’s resources. 

The cash splash comes alongside an extension to Parkes Regional Airport and Forbes sale yards. 

KW Development Services Manager Cathie Smith said the grant will pave the way for a better future for local residents with disabilities. 

“That was the beginning of our dream and its taken quite a few years to get to this point but we’re elated to say the plans are now in place,” she said. 

It comes after the facility was gifted to the organisation by Dick and Maisie Nash back in 2007. “When the Nash’s gifted the land to Kurrajong Waratah they stipulated that any future use of the property must be for the benefit of people with disabilities and their families,” Mr Carroll said.