Cooma Challenge Limited is an Australian nonprofit organization established in 1954 that provides support services to people with disabilities, older adults, and their carers in the Snowy Monaro region of New South Wales. With a longstanding commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its community members, Cooma Challenge offers a diverse range of programs aimed at promoting independence, social inclusion, and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

History and Mission

Founded in 1954, Cooma Challenge Limited has developed a reputation as a leading local provider of disability and aged care services in the Snowy Monaro area. The organization’s mission focuses on enabling individuals with disabilities and older adults to live fulfilling lives according to their own choices, emphasizing personalized support and community engagement.

Services

Cooma Challenge delivers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to the needs of its clients, including:

• National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Support: Programs designed to assist people with disabilities in achieving greater independence, life skills development, and employment readiness.

• Aged Care Services: Support for older people and their carers through the Commonwealth Home Support Program, facilitating assistance that helps maintain independence and well-being.

• Australian Disability Enterprises (ADE): Employment-related services such as flyer dropping and lawn mowing, providing meaningful vocational opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

• Living Skills Support: Specialized programs aimed at school-leavers and adults with disabilities to enhance skills necessary for employment and independent living.

The organization also explores housing options, including the development of group homes, to meet future needs of its participants.

Community Engagement and Growth

Recognizing the importance of local presence, Cooma Challenge opened a branch office in Jindabyne in 2019 to expand its reach and responsiveness to regional clients. The organization employs about 100 staff members across the Snowy Monaro region and actively seeks to increase local employment opportunities.

The community has responded positively to Cooma Challenge’s high-quality services and inclusive employment practices. The organization has received accolades such as the Excellence In Inclusive Employment award, and individual staff members have been recognized for outstanding contributions.

Funding and Recognition

Cooma Challenge Limited is registered as a charity and holds Deductible Gift Recipient status, allowing it to receive tax-deductible donations that support its programs and services.

Cooma Challenge Limited continues to play a vital role in the Snowy Monaro community by supporting people with disabilities and older adults to live independently and with dignity, reflecting decades of commitment to inclusive care and regional service development.

[1] https://www.coomachallenge.org.au [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/4ab6c3a1-38af-e811-a961-000d3ad24182 [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/4ab6c3a1-38af-e811-a961-000d3ad24182/documents/d9b6821f-2543-ea11-a813-000d3ad1ce4e [4] https://www.coomachallenge.org.au/donate [5] https://aboutregional.com.au/cooma-challenge-opens-jindabyne-office-to-expand-disability-services/304358/