The administrators of Encompass Community Services, Worrells, will be applying to the Federal Court to seek consent to sell the property known as ‘The Paddock’ to the Give Where You Live Foundation.
The Paddock, a seven-acre farm in Leopold, has been an important community resource for over 15 years, offering opportunities for people of all abilities to explore new experiences and learn new skills. It has been a base for disability support, employment and training services, as well as a range of community events and farmers markets.
Bill Mithen, CEO, Give Where You Live Foundation said “the Foundation is committed to retaining The Paddock as a community asset. This strongly aligns with our goals relating to education and employment and our purpose of building a fairer G21 community.”
“One of the Foundation’s strategic goals is to build community assets, which involves building community connections and resilience, highlighting community strengths and providing opportunities for everyone to get involved.”
Making an offer to purchase The Paddock was passed last week at a special meeting of the Give Where You Live Foundation Board. After a rigorous discussion and a recommendation from the Executive, it was decided unanimously to try to maintain The Paddock in community ownership, so it is not lost as a community asset.
Worrells and Give Where You Live Foundation have worked together in recent weeks in order to ensure a satisfactory outcome.
Principal of Worrells, Nathan Deppeler, said “we were delighted to receive a proposal from the Give Where You Live Foundation to keep The Paddock in community ownership whilst ensuring a commercially beneficial outcome to creditors. Whilst court approval is still required in respect of the proposal, we remain confident a favourable outcome will be obtained.”
“Encompass going into administration has already resulted in the loss of a range of community services and assets. We hope the Foundation’s intention to purchase The Paddock will help ensure that the time, money, effort and commitment the community has put into The Paddock over the last 15 years can be retained, and built upon” Mr Mithen added.
If the purchase is approved by the Federal Court, the Foundation will seek to operate The Paddock as a social enterprise and broaden the connection the community has with the property.
“Over the coming months we will be working to explore all options, including trying to enable the people who were previously accessing the property to renew their connection and lives at The Paddock.”
Mr Mithen said, “Through our existing connections and networks, the Foundation will also be exploring other models of operation and opportunities to connect The Paddock with local businesses, employers and potentially additional service providers. This could enable The Paddock to extend its support to young people disengaged with the traditional education system as well as people experiencing long term unemployment in our community.”