General News
23 August, 2024
Partnership fosters improved community outcomes
Asteria has bought its first wheelchair accessible vehicle thanks to funding from the Community Bank Avoca, Maryborough and St Arnaud.
For wheelchair users like Caleb Webb, accessible vehicles are more than just a means of transportation, they offer greater freedom and improved mobility.
Until recently, these benefits remained out of reach for Mr Webb and other Asteria participants — but a thriving partnership between the local disability support service and Community Bank Avoca, Maryborough and St Arnaud, has finally changed that.
As part of the bank’s broader $250,000 community grant program, Asteria received nearly $80,000 to purchase its first wheelchair accessible vehicle, which is fitted with a ramp and other essentials.
“It will open up so many avenues for participants who use wheelchairs,” the community bank’s Julie Driscoll said.
“There were a lot of programs that Asteria runs that these participants weren’t able to access but that’s no longer the case.”
The van, although new, has quickly become a significant asset for the organisation — proving to be a priceless addition.
“To see the ease and access which Caleb now has is incredible and it’s pretty emotional,” Ms Driscoll said.
“Not just for him, but for Caleb’s carers as well, this vehicle changes so many things — it takes away that physical toll of using an inaccessible car. There’s so many other features, around safety and space that also makes it perfect overall.
“It’s been amazing seeing how excited everyone has been because of this, it’s just wonderful.”
According to Asteria CEO Annie Constable, if the organisation did not secure funding from the bank, they would be severely limited.
“Without the bank’s assistance, we couldn’t offer our current range of activities,” she said.
“This partnership has enabled participants who require a wheelchair access vehicle to engage in meaningful activities in and outside our community knowing the vehicle is readily available.
“If it wasn’t for the funding provided by the community bank, we would not be able to purchase that vehicle.”
Over the years, Asteria has been the beneficiary of a number of grants given out by the community bank.
It is this ongoing support from the bank and other community groups that has continued to enrich the lives of all participants.
“The bank has been extremely generous in backing Asteria,” Ms Constable said.
From providing photography equipment and tennis racquets, to a coffee machine and a complex worm farm — all of this has only been made possible due to the strong collaboration between the two community-focused entities.
“The ongoing partnership between Asteria and the bank is a testament to what community organisations can achieve when they come together,” Ms Constable said.
“We have been able to enhance the support and services that we offer participants by introducing new programs which otherwise may not have been implemented.”
For Ms Driscoll, uplifting Asteria and other local enterprises is reflective of something bigger for the community bank.
“It’s about making a difference to the lives of all residents,” she said.
“When all of us put our minds together, wonderful things happen and Asteria is proof of that.
“We really value the work we do with organisations that do amazing, life changing things.”