Biala Special School changed to come under the auspice of Challenge Foundation Ballina/Byron Branch. As the years rolled by the branch realised that there was a bigger need not only for school age special needs children but also for those becoming teenagers and young adults.
In the late 1980’s a Committee was formed and plans were put into place for a supported employment service. From this Spectrum Landscaping commenced. This employed 8 young adults with disabilities from our area who provided a landscaping service by way of lawn mowing, garden maintenance etc. with funding for a supervisor.
1992
Ballina/Byron Branch Challenge Foundation instigated a Debutante Ball for young ladies with special needs. There were 13 young ladies and partners from Ballina/Byron Challenge Foundation and Summerland House with No Steps who took part on this occasion.
1993
The Board of Ballina/Byron Challenge Foundation decided that they would break away from Challenge and become an Incorporation in their own right. Biala Support Services Incorporated was registered.
The Board consists of financial members who are parents who have a family member with special needs, community members and interested business people, all of whom volunteered their time and energy to ensure the smooth running of the organisation.
Saw the start of the Ballina Strikers Disabled Bowling League at the Ballina Bowl. This group was run and continues to be run by volunteers connected to Biala Support Services Incorporated.
1995
Variety Club of Australia presented Biala Support Services Incorporated with a new bus for Biala Special School.Members of the Board, Mrs. S. Parker and Mr. P. Begley attended a Meeting in Lismore run by the Department of Housing who were looking at areas that they may be able to assist within the community. A submission was completed for a three bedroom house in Ballina to be used as a short term respite house to assist families with special needs family members.
1996
Biala was successful in obtaining funding to purchase and renovate a house to be used as a respite facility. Biala Support Services Incorporated held the second Debutante Ball for young ladies and their partners.This year was very busy and productive across the organisation. This was instigated by Mrs. S. Parker who had put in a submission to Area Assistance for funding for a Social Club for over eighteens with an intellectual disability. This application was successful and allowed the organisation to set up North Coast Fun Club.
This group commenced in August 1996. The funding provided by The Area Assistance Scheme was for the next six years. Near completion of this funding period the then Fun Club Coordinator, Ross Mountford with the approval of the board of management approached DADHC for pickup funding for this service to continue. This was approved and Fun Club to this day continues to provide a social experience for adults with intellectual disabilities.
Late in 1996 during the Term 3 school holidays we were able to have our first group in our respite house for a short break. The house is called “Melaleuca House”. Biala along with the Department of Housing own this dwelling. Biala is responsible for the payment of rates and the general upkeep of the premises.
2000
Biala held their third Debutante Ball. Government funding bodies were changing the guidelines for supported employment and the Board looked at various groups who would look at having Spectrum Landscaping under their auspice. The Board felt that if Spectrum were to fold it would be letting down the special people who worked for the group, the search for an auspice group continued.
2002
The Board of Biala Support Services were very excited when the Supervisor and work crew of Spectrum Landscaping became part of the Ballina Shire Council’s outdoor crew. This has been very successful for all concerned. The Board along with the families concerned were all very pleased with the outcome.
2003
At the AGM it was decided that we would look at employing a Manager for the organisation. The President, Sue Parker, felt that for the organisation to be able to move forward a Manager had to be employed to assist with the running of the various sections. Mrs. Wendylee Playford was employed in this position and Biala Support Services Incorporated thanks her for all she has done for the advancement of the organisation.
2004
Biala Support Services along with Strikers Disabled Bowling League organised a group holiday to Hervey Bay for 15 clients with mild/moderated disabilities. Five support staff volunteered their time to assist with this holiday. This was a great success for all and it was decided that it would be continued the following year.
2005
The second group holiday was held with 27 clients and 10 support staff attending. The trip was to Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort Moreton Island Queensland. The holiday was for seven days. The clients tried a variety of different activities and experiences that they may not have had an opportunity to do before.Biala Support Services was successful in its application for a building grant through the Association of Independent Schools and the Federal Government.
2006
Renovations and refurbishment of the school building were carried out during the January school holidays. The staff, students and parents were pleasantly surprised on their return in February with all the changes and especially the new roof, air conditioning and cupboards in the classrooms.
Biala Support Services were again successful in receiving another grant through the Association of Independent Schools and the Federal Government. The grant is to replace the outdoor play equipment which will benefit the students immensely. The original timber play equipment had to be removed during 2005. The third annual holiday for adults is being organised. Because of the success of last year’s holiday it was decided to return to Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort with an increase in numbers to 30 clients.