Just Redgum site finds new owners and purpose

Mildura’s woodworkers will get a new home as part of a deal involving two of the region’s community-based organisations.

Ownership of the former home of Just Redgum will transfer from Mallee Accommodation and Support Program to the not-for-profit training and employment agency MADEC.

Just Redgum was a long-running program under the National Disability Insurance Scheme, along with manufacturing high-quality timber products. Its operations formally ended on March 31.

“We announced in February the very difficult decision to cease Just Redgum’s operations, as part of a restructure of our organisation’s services,” MASP chief executive Vincent Wilson said.

“One of our primary objectives after announcing the restructure was to work with clients to ensure a successful transition to other NDIS providers, and we are pleased to see our former clients being well supported by other local organisations.

“We are now very pleased to announce that in MADEC, we were successful in finding the perfect new owner for the former Just Redgum facilities.”

The agreement means the training and employment facilities will also become home to Mildura Woodworkers and Woodturners Inc.

“We’re delighted to be able to confirm this agreement with MASP and keep these facilities in the community,” MADEC chief executive Laurence Burt said.

“It’s hugely exciting that as part of this deal we can provide a new home for the woodworkers and woodturners.”

Mr Burt was among those to join staff, volunteers, woodworking associations and community members at a recent event to celebrate Just Redgum.

“Just Redgum made an incredible contribution to Mildura and disability employment, and it was fantastic to be able to celebrate that with the people who made it happen,” Mr Wilson said.

MADEC is a nationally registered training organisation (RTO) with 50 years’ experience supporting people across Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland.

MASP has been working for more than 30 years to empower the Mallee community to be free from homelessness, abuse, poverty and disadvantage.

The ownership transition from MASP to MADEC took effect on April 19.