Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall recently announced the funding and said the project will provide better facilities for the respite services MADS offers its clients.

“The service is continually looking to upgrade the programs it offers and this project is just one of those plans in the overall strategy to help more people and to increase the quality of those services,” he said.

Mr Marshall recently toured the Edward Street property of MADS recently and caught up with new executive officer Michelle Harrison to see at first hand just what the funding could achieve.

“This is one of those wonderful practical services that actually do great work on the ground for some of our elderly and most disadvantaged people and I’m a firm supporter of their work and the contribution they make to their community,” Mr Marshall said.

Ms Harrison said MADS was delighted to receive the funding.

“We would like to build a cover for our disability parking area; it’s on the western side of the building and would give clients much more protection,” she said.

Mr Marshall said the service provided programs, activities and respite for over 200 clients in Moree and Mungindi and had grown substantially since being established as Gwydir Home and Community Care in 1988 under a Moree Plains Shire Council committee.

The current centre also includes a Meals on Wheels kitchen and a respite unit.