Hartley Lifecare is looking forward to bigger and better things such as the annual cycle challenge, the group’s biggest fundraiser for the year. Photo: Securus.
Things might be looking up for Hartley Lifecare after confronting significant National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding issues over the past few years.
The not-for-profit group has been supporting people living with disabilities across the ACT since 1962 and, much like many disability support organisations, has been dealing with financial struggles in recent years.
On finding payments from the NDIS were unable to cover the costs of paying wages and delivering services, at the end of 2023 Hartley Lifecare was forced to make difficult decisions resulting in huge changes for the organisation, including a pay decrease for many employees and voluntary redundancies.
Despite the recent hardships the organisation has had to face, Hartley Lifecare CEO Eric Thauvette says it isn’t going down without a fight.
“We have had some rough times, but we have had a look at our spendings and revaluated what’s really important to us and the people we support,” Eric says.
“After a lot of meetings and thinking we managed to establish a plan that will keep us going for at least the next year.”
Eric says employees and clients have been extremely patient as the team has navigated the situation.
“We have fantastic employees and volunteers that have been really understanding the whole time.
“I think that’s the one good thing to come out of this not so great time, we are all appreciating each other and the work we do a lot more.
“The families of everyone we take care of have also been really supportive knowing the cuts have meant a change of pace in the work we’re delivering but hopefully those days are behind us.”
As the year continues Eric and the team are looking forward to bigger and better things such as the annual cycle challenge, the group’s biggest fundraiser of the year.
The Hartley Cycle Challenge has been running for more than two decades and this year’s event is on 23-24 November.
The ride puts participants to the ultimate physical challenge – to cover more than 200 kilometres of riding in two days to raise as much money as possible for the organisation.
“We are aiming to raise close to half a million dollars this year,” Eric says.
“We typically get around 170 register to take part in the event each year and it really is a big part of our funding each year.”
Eric says if you have ever thought about doing the challenge but weren’t sure, this year is the year to do it as there will be extra support.
“We have a support vehicle that will be following the cyclists the whole way around the course so if you have to stop we can load up the bikes and drive behind you to make sure you still cross the finish line in Jindabyne.”
The course consists of riders enduring 150 km on the first day, getting set up with accommodation and meals for the night, before finishing with 90 km on the second day.
Eric says the cycle challenge isn’t the only thing to look forward to when it comes to what’s next, with the Hartley Hall markets continuing to take place on the first Sunday of each month.
“It’s always a great day out in Hall – it’s dog friendly and most things on offer to purchase are either homegrown or homemade which is really special.”
The organisation is also celebrating a win with the recent rebuild completed of its living facilities at Hartley Court in Hughes.
For more information visit Hartley Cycle Challenge.
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