About The Ella Centre - History and Future Direction
In 1973 the Methodist Church in Haberfield closed its doors as a place of worship, and its membership transferred to other nearby parishes.
Members of St David's Presbyterian (later Uniting) Church and a local residents’ group transformed the Methodist Church into a community centre, using set-up funds provided by the Federal Government.
Henry Ella, a local resident and member of St David's Presbyterian Uniting Church, then generously donated a significant sum of money and, with the creation of a trust fund, the Centre’s operations were able to continue.
A management committee was established in 1974 and since then The Ella Centre has successfully supported the community for more than 35 years.
In the last fifteen years The Ella Centre has expanded its services, making it a major Inner West provider of services to those living in the community who are frail aged or have a disability, and their carers.
Ashfield Council approved plans in 2006 for The Ella Centre to renovate its premises, providing a better facility for the clients, staff and members of the community who use its buildings. These renovations were completed in February 2009 and the refurbished building was officially opened by The Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Member for Grayndler, on March 26 2009.
In 2011 The Ella Centre Board of Management adopted the following:
Mission
The Ella Centre exists to provide quality programs, services and advocacy to support people and communities across the Inner West, with a focus on people with disabilities, dementia, older people, carers, and those who have needs not acknowledged or met by others. We provide these programs and services because of our commitment to social justice, inclusion and community participation for all.
Values
At The Ella Centre we respect all people, acknowledge abilities and uphold dignity at all times, reflecting our commitment to Christian and human values. We do this by:
Striving to exceed client and carer expectations
Displaying honesty and integrity in all that we do
Being innovative, person centred and responsive
Operating with openness and flexibility
Being committed to achieving positive outcomes