The Bridge Connects’ reputation has continued to grow along with its impact and it is now supporting nearly 600 clients across Day Services, Your Supports, Getaways, Support Coordination and the newest service, Supported Independent Living (SIL).

To support growth whilst maintaining safe, quality, person-centred services, we restructured the Operations Manager role into two key areas – Day Services and 24/7 Services. This has enhanced capability, capacity and efficiency to support the changes needed following our acquisition of IDV. We also introduced Senior Support Worker roles at selected sites to meet demand.

Innovation and creativity were on show through the inaugural Illuminate Art Show at Macleod Day Service, and the premiere of The Bridge Big Brother film at Dandenong – supported through the Innovation Fund.

SIL occupancy has been a strong focus to ensure service viability into the future.

Following extensive refurbishments, vacancies were filled at Montmorency and Briar Hill properties. Preparations are underway for our Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) housing in Noble Park, due to launch in late 2025, and we have a number of people hoping to move into these houses as soon as possible.

Getaways, our recreation program, has expanded with longer interstate trips and new destinations for weekends away. We’ve been delighted with the increased client engagement from The Bridge North clients through weekends away, day activities and interstate trips.

Connects delivered over 301,000 hours of service in the last financial year – 25% increase on the previous year – broadening our impact across the communities we support.

The annual client and carer survey again produced positive feedback. These surveys are important as they guide us to continuously improve the quality of our service delivery.

I would also like to thank our amazing staff, volunteers and students who support and create opportunities for our clients to live their best lives and achieve their goals. Lastly, thank you to our clients, families and carers for your continued support and commitment to The Bridge. I know Connects will continue to strengthen services and deliver meaningful impact into the future.

Nicole Stribbles
The Bridge Connects – General Manager