THE word Bamara means “helper, friend and companion” in the Yolngu language in Arnhem Land, and the hands of friendship were extended further on Wednesday when Bamara Moree opened its new hub on Balo Street.
Bamara, an NDIS service provider, relocated from smaller premises in the Max Centre, and owner David Liddiard and CEO Lesley Zarb were on hand to cut the ribbon.
Mr Liddiard, a former NRL great and Dally M Rookie of the Year winner in 1983, is recognised for his tireless work and commitment to Indigenous communities across Australia.
He was presented the Gold Harold Award in 2010 for services to Aboriginal Health and Education, the NSW Outstanding Community Service Award in 2013, and the following year was awarded an Order of Australia medal for service to Indigenous youth, sporting and employment programs.
His work continues at Bamara.
“It’s just amazing with what we’ve been able to do,” Mr Liddiard said.
“We’ve opened these sort of hubs in Dubbo and Wellington, and on Monday we opened one in Coonamble.
“This is such a beautiful spot. I love coming to Moree and love this community. This hub is a special spot, and we want to utilise it the best way we can,” he said.
The Moree hub, managed by Kerry Macey, her brother, Jimmy Bryans, and Kylie Stirling, provides clients and their families access to local support and services, including NDIS Disability Support Services and the Driver Licensing Access Program.
After a truly inspiring welcome to country by proud Gomeroi man Alf Priestly, Bamara CEO Lesley Zarb told a large group of attendees at Wednesday’s official launch, Bamara was a service provider for people from all walks of life.
“We’re super excited to be opening the new site and continuing the great work that Kerry, Kylie and Jimmy are doing,” Ms Zarb said.
“We’re really proud of what we’re doing out here and really thankful we’ve been accepted by the community and that people are accessing the services we provide.
“The NDIS is very close to my heart. I have a child on the spectrum, with an intellectual disability, so I know what this service (NDIS) can do for us as parents. It’s a massive support.
“We’ll be doing community support, in-home care and we’ll set up respite houses if that’s what is needed – we’re here to provide those services, and we have support co-ordination already up and running.
“We’re open, we’re here, and we all need to share our stories,” she said.
The Driver Licensing Access Program is a free program funded by Transport for NSW, and assists people pass driving tests and gain confidence on the road.
Bamara driving instructor, Jimmy Bryans, said about 200 clients have successfully gained their licence in the three-and-a-half years he’s been working at Bamara.
“I’ve had three or four kids with disabilities, and had to put extra time in. Also, some of our clients struggle with reading and writing so I work with them to make it happen,” Mr Bryans said.
“I worked with one client in particular for a long time to get him licensed . . . it made me cry when I passed him.
“Today’s official opening is very close to my heart; it really means a lot. Sure, we get a wage, but it’s not about that.
“I love helping the community, and being able to do that has helped me my during my lifetime
“It’s about seeing the smiles on our clients’ faces when I tell them they’ve passed their driving test . . . when they get their license, it changes their lives,” he said.
Words and Images: Bill Poulos
