Goulburn Options
Disability Support Services
About Us
Goulburn Options is a community based, not-for-profit organisation, providing a range of support services for people with disability and their carers. We are registered to provide a range of supports under the NDIS, TAC, DSOA and for self-funded participants.
Goulburn Options was born from community action in 1981 and has since grown to become a leading service provider in the Goulburn Region and surrounds. We are strongly integrated into the everyday life of the area, enjoy many valued community connections and collaborations, and employ many local staff.
As an organisation, our goal is to support our participants as they seek to live their 'Biggest Lives Possible!' Every day our dedicated team works together to achieve and deliver quality, personalised services.
Goulburn Options Disability Support Workers
Goulburn Options dates back to 1981 when a group of parents, carers and members of the public first put forward the idea for Seymour's very own centre for adults with disability. After successfully lobbying the government, the SMRPA was formed, and on the 27th August, 1982, an adult training centre was opened in the then RAOB Hall. We began with just 10 clients.
In 1987, a new Constitution was developed, and the Association became The Seymour and District Association for Learning Impaired Adults Inc. One year later, and a Residential Support Service was also created.
A capital grant from the Department of Human Services supported the purchase of the Association's own premises, and on the 26th November 1988, the centre was moved to 17 Railway Street, Seymour.
In 1992, many of Victoria's Institution's closed, and as a result, the centre had a sudden increase of seven clients. A new challenge -- we transitioned these new clients into the service, ensuring their individual needs were met, whilst continuing to develop the abilities of existing clients.
With transitional funding from the Commonwealth Government, our Committee developed a vocational training program called 'Thingamajigs.' This program established a shopfront workplace in which to employ clients to engage in contract packaging.
In November 1996, a 15-acre property on the fringe of Seymour was then purchased by the Committee. Railway Street was sold and with assistance from DHHS Capital Works funding, the development of a new ATSS (Adult Training Support Services) Centre had begun. With the transition timing slightly out of sync, day programs were conducted out of an onsite caravan for several weeks.
On the 9th July, 1997, the Hon. D. Napthine officially opened the new Centre, and with the new centre came a brand new name: Goulburn Options Inc.
Since then, Goulburn Options has grown exponentially. To date, our organisation has been able to purchase property with three units, and we have also purchased a shop! The Go Again OP Shop sits proudly at 4/115 Anzac Avenue, Seymour.
Our Hub, right in the heart of Seymour at 28 High Street was purchased in June, 2017. Our new campus at 16-18 Station Street was opened in 2022.
With new goals and new programs, 2024 is set to be our best year yet!