Newcastle founded social purpose organisation Life Without Barriers (LWB) calls for the Newcastle community to celebrate the closing of its very first premises at 55 Parry Street and the opening of new doors at 32 Union Street on Friday 7th July.
In a lunchtime event we call on Parry Street clients and the people of Newcastle to celebrate the closing of one foundational door and then opening of a new contemporary one.
Event: Farewell to Parry Street
Date: Fri 7th July
Time: 12.30pm – 2.00pm
Address: 55 Parry Street, Newcastle
RSVP: email info@lwb.org.au
“Parry Street was where it really all started,” says Life Without Barriers Chief Executive Claire Robbs. “It grew from the grassroots of our community and the family and friends of our Chairman who saw the need for services in Newcastle for people with a disability.”
Parry Street began with a group of local community members addressing a need for disability programs and services for their relatives in 1997.
Throughout that time, Life Without Barriers has received fantastic support from Newcastle City Council allowing Life Without Barriers to be tenants there for the last 20 years and providing a beautiful space and garden for clients.
Life Without Barriers survived the 2007 June floods in Parry Street that caused significant damage, but staff rallied and rebuilt. In a nostalgic farewell it is with some sadness we leave Parry Street, but shared in equal measure by the excitement of opening Union Street.
“Parry Street was where it really all started,”
— Life Without Barriers Chief Executive Claire Robbs
Union Street will provide a contemporary space for disability clients to participate in range of meaningful programs. These programs will compliment those which are offered in the community such as fitness, health and wellbeing, and arts and craft just to name a few. Union Street will encourage members of the community and businesses to work together to enhance inclusion in the community. Life Without Barriers clients will also benefit from the purpose built change room facilities supporting them to have their personal care needs attended to, in the most dignified way.
Life Without Barriers has grown from its humble beginnings in Parry Street to a national organisation in 300 communities across the country, who still retains its head office in Newcastle.
So as they say – when one door closes another door opens. Life Without Barriers bid a fond and memorable farewell to 55 Parry Street and welcome a new and exciting chapter at 32 Union Street, Newcastle West.
Union Street officially opens its doors on Mon 17th July at 9am.
