Community & Business
16 July, 2025
New disability support centre a hive of activity
THIS year marks 30 years since Disability Matters began providing disability support services to the Atherton Tablelands and as part of the celebration, a new facility, The Hive, was opened last Thursday, to provide new programs and activities for the broader community.
“This large, inclusive, multipurpose space is where our group programs take place,” acting chief executive officer Kellie Jarvis said. “Here, individuals can come together to connect, participate, learn new skills and have fun.”
Disability Matters began in its Cook St facility, which was originally a respite centre run by ‘The Sisters of Mercy’ from 1990.
By 1995, it became the Tableland Respite Care Association and a purpose-built centre was developed on the land (still owned by the Sisters). The new building was owned by the Queensland Housing Department.
Original funding was supplied by the Department of Families, Youth and Community Care, and enabled the partial operation of centre-based respite and some in-home respite hours.
In 1998, the centre-based program became fully operational as a four-bed service for 12 months of the year.
The organisation continued to expand its services and became Disability Matters Inc in 2016 to better incorporate its vision.
“We continue to provide the Direct Support Program to support people with disabilities, both in their homes and within the community,” Ms Jarvis said.
“The Hive is an extension of that support, providing an inclusive, multipurpose space where group programs take place.”
The Hive is located at 5 McConaghie Street, Atherton.
