$3 million redevelopment planned for Biala
By student reporter Lorien Tait
A $3 million redevelopment of Biala Disability Support Services is set to move forward, with tenders expected to be called this week for major new facilities at the long-running local organisation.
To fuel their goals for the future, late last year Biala was granted $1.25 million from the NSW Government, with their board contributing an extra $1.75 million.
The funding will support a major upgrade including a new front section of the building with administration and reception areas, student and staff amenities, a kindergarten general learning area, two additional general learning areas and new shared spaces.
Above: Architect drawings for the new-look Biala.
Main photo L to R: Biala students and staff Kath Ellis, Shay, Thomas, CEO Lisa Smith and Kaylum.
On top of that, there will be two sensory rooms connected to classrooms, giving students somewhere to go if they become overwhelmed. CEO Lisa Smith said the sensory rooms would be highly beneficial.
“It’d be an extension of the classroom, instead of needing to ask someone to go there… We’re very, very excited to get that project underway this year,” she said.
Biala is a disability support services organisation with extensive experience in its field. It has been operating for 57 years, building a strong reputation through their school for people with special needs and their broader disability support programs.
So what really is Biala?
Biala is an Indigenous word for “understand”, which reflects the organisation’s purpose.
Biala is a disability support service for people of all ages in the local community who need a strong support network around them.
They have operated a school for children with disabilities since 1969, running from kindergarten to Year 10 and focusing on students with higher needs.
Alongside the school, they have expanded into other services including in-home support, community support focused on daily living skills, aged care support, holiday getaways for clients and help to navigate the complexities of NDIS funding.
The official plaque commemorating the opening of the original community-built special school half a century ago that will now be redeveloped.
For in-home support, they offer short or medium-term accommodation and supported independent living. Their community support programs include weekly activities, daily living skills learning and employment transition help.
One of their major services is Biala Getaways, where staff help plan holidays tailored to client needs and can accompany them during travel.
They also provide NDIS support coordination, helping clients maximise funding and support without having to manage the complex process alone.
After more than five decades working in the local community to improve the lives of people with disabilities, Biala has achieved major milestones including expanding classrooms, designing inclusive play spaces and reaching record school enrolments.
Biala has also received recognition through awards including Employer of Choice and an Outstanding Business Leader Award.
There are many local stories showing how Biala has helped people through its programs. One example is Dylan, a former student who became school captain and later worked towards employment through shifts at the Boardwalk Restaurant in Ballina. His story is available on Biala’s website.
All in all, Biala Disability Support Services continues to be an important resource for the local community, working to ensure people with disabilities are included and supported to the level they deserve.
Lorien Tait is a Year 10 student at the Living Schools Academy Campus at Southern Cross University in Lismore. He enjoys reading, writing and the environment and hopes to pursue a career following these passions. This work has been supported by the NSW Government to promote diversity and encourage aspiring journalists.
