New look for Karingal
29 June 2006
MEDIA RELEASE
New look for Karingal - but same trusted organisation
KARINGAL has a new look and feel to promote its role as the region's leading
provider and advocate of services and support to people with a disability.
Its new icon can be found on all stationery and signs at all 32 Karingal enterprises and offices
located across a region stretching from Melbourne and Bacchus Marsh across to
Portland.
The five major enterprises under the Karingal banner are Karingal Community
Living, Kommercial (formerly MLI Services), SupportWorks, MatchWorks and
BacLinks.
Karingal CEO, Mr Daryl Starkey said the re-branding was essential to give
recognition to the organisation's diverse range of services.
Karingal has grown dramatically since its small beginnings in 1952 as a day-school
operated by Geelong parents who dreamed of a better life for children with disabilities.
``In the past, Karingal was one of the region's best kept secret,'' Daryl said. ``Most
people in Geelong recognised the name and knew of some of its facilities but did not
realise the extent of its services.
Increased Government funding, community assistance, fundraising and innovative
thinking, has enabled Karingal to provide new services and opportunities to over 1000
clients and their families over 50 years.
Karingal's annual turnover has grown from $3.5million in 1996 to around $35
million this financial year.
It has over 900 staff and more than 100 dedicated volunteers. ``We wanted the community
and our business partners know the different enterprises we operate so they can enjoy our
successes and partner us where appropriate,'' Daryl said.
Karingal enterprises, MatchWorks and SupportWorks, have won new Federal
Government employment contracts in Geelong and Melbourne.
``We've also won contracts to deliver Work For the Dole services in many of those
areas,'' Daryl said.
``Kommercial has just opened a second factory at Douro Street, North Geelong and
BacLinks is expanding its services to Portland.
A new Karingal website www.karingal.org.au was launched last week.
It is one of only a few in Australia to have a level 3 accessiblity rating.
``This rating means people with disabilities can navigate and interact with our
website as never before,'' Daryl said.
Daryl said that rather than seeking the charitable dollar, Karingal asked regional
business to help provide services, opportunities, material goods or expertise in the
community sector.
``Karingal has grown and is continuing to grow. It's a very challenging but very
rewarding time,'' he said.
(ends)