Berowra Street Property To Continue Serving Cowra In Exciting New Chapter

Ability Network, a community-led, not-forprofit organisation and proud NDIS provider, is delighted to announce a significant milestone in its commitment to the local community. After 15 years of dedicated service as Ability Network’s headquarters and an early intervention centre for children with special learning needs, the beloved Berowra Street property will enter a new chapter of community-focused use.

The property, originally funded by government grants, has long been considered more than just a building—it is a community asset. With Ability Network vacating the premises in February 2025 to move into a new, state-of-the-art facility in Lyall Street, the organisation recognised the need to ensure that this well-loved property continued to serve the community.

Following extensive discussions and careful planning, Ability Network is thrilled to confirm that Cowra Early Childhood Services (CECS) has moved into the Berowra Street property. Specifically, CECS Out of School Hours care service (OOSH), Family Day Care (FDC) Coordination Unit, and CECS General Manager have relocated from CECS Comerford St facility (Carinya). This transition will enable CECS to expand its operations, by creating more places in OOSH at the new facility, and by freeing up critical space at Carinya allowing for increased services, to be phased in over the next few years.

This move also serves as a critical milestone in CECS expansion plans, which also includes the construction of a new community preschool to be built at 14 Short St, Cowra.

“This transition represents the best of what community partnerships can achieve,” said Shane Kruger, CEO of Ability Network. “Our Board and management firmly believe that this property, while owned by Ability Network, is truly a community treasure.

We’re proud to pass the baton to CECS, an organisation equally committed to supporting local families and children.”

“The exciting thing is that the facility already has a lot of what we need as a childcare provider, meaning that our setup and operational costs are minimised - an important factor for a not-for-profit community organisation like ours” Libby Ewing-Jarvis, General Manager of CECS says.

The collaboration between Ability Network and CECS highlights the shared values and commitment of both organisations to the Cowra community.

With the growing demand for early and middle childhood education and care in the community, this transition ensures the Berowra Street property will remain a vital resource for local families.

The move will also allow CECS to enhance their programs and services, further cementing their role as a cornerstone of early and middle childhood education and care in the region.

“This decision is a testament to the community-first ethos of both organisations,” said Libby EwingJarvie. “We are excited to expand CECS services to Berowra St and continue to utilise this great venue in support of children and families in Cowra.”

As Ability Network embarks on its next chapter in Lyall Street, it leaves behind a legacy of care at Berowra Street, ensuring that the property will remain a community asset for generations to come.

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