NSW Minister for Ageing, Disability Services and Aboriginal Affairs Paul Lynch visited Muswellbrook to officially open the integratedliving Boronia building.

The not for profit organisation focused on offering more diverse services to communities around NSW and Queensland opened its doors after a lengthy renovation of the former Muswellbrook Bowling Club in Wilkinson Avenue.

The keys were handed over in 2006 and integratedliving chief executive officer Peter Rothnie said an extensive amount of work was done to create the multipurpose facility that it now is.

“There were a few stops and starts like asbestos but it is now complete. The only thing we have kept is the external fabrication and the floors to make way for a range of meeting rooms, training rooms and all of our Upper Hunter staff will be based here,” he said.

“The services offered range from the meals on wheels service to extended aged care in the home. After a lot of work, energy and money we now have this amazing building.”

The uses for the building extend beyond the direct services offered by integratedliving as well. The intention had always been to share the facility with community groups and organisations and this is obvious to all who pass by and see the croquet club utilising the grounds most mornings.

In addition it is regularly used by the Muswellbrook Amateur Theatre Society and also offers rooms for visiting specialist services, lease space for other service providers and a designated room for an Aboriginal Dental Service.

NSW Minister Paul Lynch said such facilities were crucial in giving residents their independence for as long as possible.

“The aim is to enhance the ability of people to remain independent and stay in their own home and because of this building people can do so,” he said.

“It is about whether we want people in buildings and institutions or in their own home still part of the community. This new centre will only enhance the services integratedliving do in the community.”

The opening also featured integratedliving staff member Chic Taylor performing a song entitled “What We Can Do” based on the struggles of disabled people to be valued for their abilities and what they can achieve.