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 2008 The Ella Centre Board of Management adopted the following:
Mission
The Ella Centre exists to provide quality programs and services to people and communities across the Inner West: particularly children, people with disabilities, older people, their families and carers, and those who have needs not acknowledged or met by others.
Values
The Ella Centre honours all people, acknowledges abilities, respects differences and upholds dignity at all times. It does this by:
• Striving to exceed client expectations
• Displaying honesty and integrity in all that it does
• Being innovative, courageous and imaginative
• Operating with openness and flexibility
• Being committed to achieving positive outcomes