Media release

After six years providing equine therapy for people with disabilities, Help Enterprises is ceasing operations of the McIntyre Centre; a difficult decision made necessary due to the significant gap between NDIS fees-for-service and operating costs.

The Centre has been an important part of HELP’s story since 2017 and has played an integral role in strengthening the social, physical, and mental wellbeing of clients with disability.

But it’s not only the participants who have benefitted; their families, HELP staff and volunteers, and the local community have all shared in the joys, triumphs and tribulations along the way.

“The McIntyre Centre has meant a lot to HELP and to everyone who has used the service or contributed in some way. While this is a sad and tough time, we also want to celebrate the Centre and what it stands for,” says Denver Fresser, CEO of Help Enterprises.

HELP has always aimed to maintain a high quality and affordable service for our customers, minimising the out of pocket spend. With the NDIS currently funding $86 per session, there is still a big gap between that and what it costs to operate the services. And it is this gap that has ultimately led to the decision to close the Centre.

“HELP has utilised multiple options to improve McIntyre’s financial position but has not been able to close the gap between NDIS fees for service and the costs of operating a safe, high quality and well-staffed operation,” said Mr Fresser.

“We’re hopeful that we can find someone else to take it on. We have started reaching out to providers of similar equine services to see if we can find a new operator for the McIntyre site. If there’s anyone out there who can help, please get in touch.”

HELP will keep operating the Centre until the end of the current ‘term’ of service and the conclusion of our June/July school holiday program on Friday, 7 July.

If no alternatives arise, the McIntrye Centre operations will cease on 31 July. HELP will then prepare the McIntyre Centre site for transfer or sale.

All riders and their families have been notified of this decision and closing dates.

Between now and the date we close the doors or hand over the keys, we will be celebrating the centre, our community, the riders and anyone who has contributed over the years.

Help Enterprises will continue to provide support for people with disability through its social enterprises and other disability services, with a stronger focus on the streams that are financially sustainable.

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About Help Enterprises
Help Enterprises is a disability social enterprise and not-for-profit organisation that enhances the lifestyle, independence, and ambitions of people with disability.

Media contacts
Lara Thompson on 0438 801 012 or [email protected]

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