Iconic disability charity to benefit under LNP Government

Renowned Sunshine Coast disability service provider, The Compass Institute, will receive nearly $100,000 under a Dutton LNP Government.

The LNP has committed $99,500 to the organisation to upgrade the carpark and grounds of its Hunchy facility, The Farm, in an effort to make the precinct safer and more accessible for visitors and participants alike.

Federal MP, Andrew Wallace, who has championed – and previously chaired – local disability support services, hailed the commitment as proof that the work of The Compass Institute has inspired decision- makers in Canberra and families right across the country.

“For over thirty years, The Compass Institute has supported at-risk youth and families in need, transforming the way we educate and engage with young people with disabilities. Through the Compass Farm in Hunchy, they provide respite, training, and social support for families at their most vulnerable – all the while equipping people with disabilities to grow and to give back,” Mr Wallace said, adding “As the father of someone living with disabilities, I couldn’t be prouder to support The Compass Institute with funding to upgrade their facilities to keep doing what they do – changing lives.”

Shadow Minister for Social Services and Shadow Minister for the NDIS, Michael Sukkar, highlighted how important projects such as these.

“Anthony Albanese and his team have absolutely shredded the disability services sector apart with their mismanagement of the NDIS and the economy. In the end, it’s our most vulnerable who pay the price,” Mr Sukkar said, continuing: “But it’s community groups like The Compass Institute who have, often without support from governments, stepped up to fill the gap – doing so with unparalleled local understanding and connection. We absolutely must get behind groups like Compass who are the coalface of social care in our communities, and I’m proud that the LNP is doing just that.”

Founder of The Compass Institute, David Dangerfield, welcomed the announcement as a win for the organisation and for the hundreds of locals they support who are living with disabilities.

“This commitment of $100,000 from an incoming LNP government will allow us to complete another crucial stage of the Compass Farm Master Plan – improving vehicle and pedestrian access to key facilities that assist people with intellectual and physical disabilities to develop important life and vocational skills.”

While the LNP has committed to funding these upgrades, Labor have yet to make any pledge to the community groups of Fisher.

“Labor have taken a wrecking ball to disability services in communities like Fisher, putting our most vulnerable in harm’s way. His cruel cuts and mismanagement prove that Anthony Albanese just doesn’t care about Australian families. But let me say to the Prime Minister: you could prove me wrong. You could match the funding commitments the LNP has made to Compass, to the people of Fisher, and to groups and Andrew Wallace MP Federal Member for Fisher Deputy Chair, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence & Security Deputy Chair, Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence & Trade communities across the country.”

Mr Wallace said, concluding: “That would at least be a step in the right direction, after three years of steering our country toward economic and security oblivion.

“Labor, Teals, Greens, and Independents have consistently failed to address the important issues facing Fisher. Their absence and inaction on these matters demonstrate a clear disregard for our community's needs. If they genuinely cared about the people of Fisher, they would step up and match our funding commitments to support our vital disability sector. It's time for them to show real leadership and commitment to the well-being of our community.”

Andrew Wallace with Compass CEO, David Dangerfield.