Gateways Board president Bernie Jenner said the purchase was a huge achievement for the not-for-profit organisation and gave Gateways a secure base from which it can continue its vital work to support children and adults with disabilities in Geelong and the south west.

“We are very proud to now own the building that once was the Geelong West municipal offices in Albert St. This building will continue its strong connection with the Geelong community not only as our headquarters, but also as a meeting place for local community organisations,” Dr Jenner said.

The Albert St building is a hub for the many services that Gateways provides to empower and support children and adults with disabilities and their families to maximise their quality of life, potential and positive relationships within the community.

In 2006 the City of Greater Geelong had deemed the former Geelong West municipal offices surplus to its needs and gave Gateways the option of purchasing the building that it had leased for more than 10 years.

“The Gateways Board had known for a number of years that it was likely that we would have the chance to purchase this building. We implemented a savings plan and were able to seize the opportunity when Council decided to sell,” Dr Jenner said.

“We are very grateful to the Percy Baxter Charitable Trust, the Howard Glover Trust through United Way and the Geelong Community Foundation for providing us with additional funds that have allowed us to purchase this asset whilst maintaining the services that our community needs.

“Gateways is now investigating upgrading and renovating the building so we can best respond to the needs of Gateways clients and the community,” he said.