Riverside Nursery will close at the end of the month. Photo: Tulgeen Riverside Nursery/Facebook.
A Bega Valley disability agency is set to close part of its service due to financial strain.
Tulgeen Disability Services, founded in 1977, offers a suite of services – such as supported independent living, community programs and supported employment – to people living with a disability in the Bega Valley.
It also operates Riverside Nursery, a supported employment initiative.
Tulgeen general manager Lisa Barbour said the decision to close the retail space had been in the works for some time.
“The nursery was not viable. It continued to not be viable for at least the last 12 months,” she said.
“We have tried everything to turn that around, but to no avail.”
About two dozen people are affected by the closure – 14 supported employees, seven horticultural staff and five support workers.
Ms Barbour said Tulgeen was committed to organising positions in other parts of its operations for supported employees and staff.
“We have people that are quite upset because it has been their passion,” she said. ”It’s their employment, obviously, [though] it’s also something that they enjoy doing.
“Everyone is a little bit emotional at this time, but moving forward … [Tulgeen’s focus is] supporting our clients with making choices their own.”
However, Ms Barbour said it was too early to comment on what the transition might look like as those discussions were being held.
“This is something we’ve discussed privately with those families,” she said.
To one supported employee who spoke to Region, the nursery meant more than a job.
“Riverside Nursery is special because it offers a safe space for people to learn, grow, and develop social skills,” they said.
“One thing that’s often overlooked is the importance of social interactions for people with disabilities. Not everyone is nice, but it’s essential to learn that and develop resilience.
“The nursery provides a unique opportunity for people to build relationships and connections that might not be possible otherwise.”
They said they were “really concerned” about the closure, describing Riverside as a loved part of the Bega community.
“The nursery is a vital part of our community, providing job opportunities, social interactions, and a sense of purpose for people who often face significant challenges in finding employment,” they said.
Tulgeen said the nursery would close on 30 June.
Ms Barbour also confirmed the closure would not affect Tulgeen’s other support programs, including its shredding initiative, which would move to a new location.
Through that program, Tulgeen had contacts with various local businesses to shred their confidential waste and turn it into other things, such as compost.
“[I’m confident in] those core areas of our support … we’re open, we’re running and we will be for a long time,” Ms Barbour said.
“We’re definitely here to stay.”
Riverside Nursery is at 14 Taronga Crescent. Until it closes on 30 June, it is open from 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday, 9 am to 3 pm Saturdays and 9 am to 2 pm Sundays.
Further information on Tulgeen Disability Services can be found on its website.
