News & Stories
Article
Business News
24 October 2023
McIntyre Centre Expression of Interest process
Ensuring a strong future for the McIntyre Centre will be a key criteria for a new round of Expressions of Interest (EOI) for taking on the management of the centre, announced by Help Enterprises today.
Expressions of Interest are invited from organisations which can ensure the continued operation of the Centre and build on its 50 year legacy of service to people with disabilities.
The Expression of Interest process is open to organisations who are involved in, or who are seeking to provide, services to people with disabilities.
Help is taking all the steps that a prudent trustee should take in seeking to uphold and protect the McIntyre Centre trust assets and the terms of the trust.
This second round EOI asks applicants to respond to specific selection criteria to demonstrate how they will assume the trust obligations that Help assumed under the original Deed of Gift for the McIntyre Centre.
Help is committed to a fair and transparent process to evaluate and select an organisation that best fits the goals and aims of the McIntyre Centre.
The closing date for submissions to the Call for Expression of Interest is Friday December 8, 2023.
The following documents are available here for download:
Fact Sheet – McIntyre Centre Call for Expression of Interest process (download or continue reading)
What is Help doing now to ensure a strong future for the McIntyre Centre?
Help has recommenced the process that aims to transfer the McIntyre Centre site at Pinjarra Hills to a new entity.
Expressions of Interest are invited from organisations which can ensure the continued operation of the Centre and build on its 50 year legacy of service to people with disabilities.
Why does Help need to reissue a Call for Expressions of Interest?
In 2017 Help entered into a Deed of Gift with McIntyre Centre Riding for the Disabled, which created a charitable trust.
The initial call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) was part of Help’s communication of the Centre closure on May 31, 2023. The EOI process was paused on 21 July 2023, because Help needed more time to fully investigate the precise implications of the charitable trust obligations for the Centre.
This new round will take all the steps that a prudent trustee should take in seeking to uphold and protect the McIntyre Centre charitable trust assets and the terms of the trust.
This revised EOI asks applicants to now respond to specific selection criteria, to demonstrate how they will meet the charitable trust obligations for the McIntyre Centre.
These steps are taken in line with Help’s primary purpose to support people with disabilities to live fulfilling and independent lives.
How has the Call for Expression of Interest notice been advertised?
All organisations who expressed interest in the first EOI process have been invited to participate. The EOI notice has also been published online and in the Courier Mail and The Australian newspapers.
By publishing the EOI notice widely, Help is taking every prudent step to reach organisations that may be suitable to take on the charitable trust obligations.
Who is eligible to participate in the EOI process? Will local community groups be considered?
The Expression of Interest process is open to organisations who are involved in, or who are seeking to provide, services to people with disabilities.
Help appreciates the concern the community has for the future of the McIntyre Centre, and is aware of the strong interest in continuing the operations under community management.
All parties who have expressed interest before this round are invited to submit their detailed application. All EOI’s will be objectively assessed for their suitability to meet the trust obligations.
What are the conditions of the charitable trust?
The Call for Expression of Interest notice summarises the conditions of the charitable trust that applicants will need to consider.
What is the selection process?
Help is committed to a fair and transparent process to evaluate and select an organisation that best fits the goals and aims of the McIntyre Centre.
The Call for Expressions of Interest asks applicants to respond to four key criteria, and provide supporting documentation.
EOI submissions will be compared for each of the selection criteria, and overall on their ability to assume the trust obligations.
The successful applicant will be chosen in the absolute discretion of Help, and will be invited to enter into a Deed of Gift with Help to assume the responsibilities under the charitable trust.
How long will the process take?
The closing date for submissions to the Call for Expression of Interest is Friday December 8, 2023.
Help will endeavour to review all Expressions of Interest within 6 weeks of the date of submission but may extend this period to ensure thorough consideration is provided to all Expressions of Interest.
The successful Applicant will be required to seek independent financial and legal advice on the terms of the Deed of Gift, before entering into the new Deed of Gift.
What happens if a suitable organisation is not found in the Expression of Interest process?
If this EOI process does not identify an entity that can assume the responsibilities under the charitable trust, Help will reconsider its position.
One option will be for Help to lodge an application with the Supreme Court seeking to vary the charitable trust obligations, on the basis that prudent steps have occurred to uphold and protect the trust assets by finding a suitable incoming trustee, but this has not been successful.
Update on the horses and other McIntyre Centre assets
The McIntyre Centre horses were rehomed through a carefully managed process in July 2023.
The property is being well maintained, and items of plant and equipment have been securely stored. A list of fixed assets will be provided to organisations that register to participate in the EOI process.
What does this mean for Help’s disability care Hub located at the McIntyre Centre?
Help’s Pinjarra Hills Hub continues to operate at the McIntyre Centre, providing day programs and activities for a small group of NDIS participants and their families.
Help is keeping these participants and families informed about the process. Help is also actively looking for a new location for the Hub.
About Help Enterprises
Help is a social enterprise and not-for-profit entity with our primary mission being the support of people with disabilities. Help has been supporting people with disability in Queensland for more than 55 years, and currently supports 3,500 people across multiple service streams.
Expression of Interest information contact
Please Download EOI Notice here and follow the steps provided.
Media contacts
Lara Thompson on 0438 801 012 or [email protected]
Give us a call and one of our friendly team members will be in touch shortly.
We’re here to help!
Our Locations
With over 40 locations across Southeast Queensland, we’re nearby for when you need us.
Find your nearest location