Northcott expands disability services in Wagga's Old Federal Brewery

Not-for-profit disability service provider Northcott has officially opened its new expanded community space in Wagga’s Old Federal Brewery on The Esplanade.

Clients, facilitators, stakeholders and community leaders gathered in the expanded outdoor space behind the historic buildings to celebrate the occasion and to tour the fully refurbished facility.

Customer partner Elise Nelson said the move had been coming for a long time.

“Moving from a smaller building, we’ve all been really excited about the new space where we can all be together instead of in different buildings across Wagga,” she said, explaining that they had chosen to invest in a heritage space rather than something purpose-built.

“It’s just a really unique part of Wagga; it’s a beautiful building and it was a great opportunity.”

The site overlooking the Wollundry Lagoon was originally opened as the Murrumbidgee Brewery in 1881 before fire destroyed the facility in 1896.

In 1899 cordial manufacturer John Joseph Hogan and brewer Patrick Joseph Mahon joined forces to launch the Federal Brewery on the site.

From the early days of Hogan Mahon Brewers, it changed hands many times over the decades and was notably owned by Tooth & Co and Sheekey’s Cordials.

The buildings were transformed into offices after Sheekey’s closed its doors in 1978.

Northcott purchased the site for $1.6 million in 2022 and moved into the space after a minor upgrade.

From the start, the plan was to turn the site into a disability hub that would bring all its offices together and expand its services across the Riverina.

The latest investment in the site by Northcott includes improved accessibility, a revamped outdoor space with a lawn and enhanced service delivery spaces.

Ms Nelson said it was all designed to get the best outcome for their NDIS clients.

“It’s all for them, it’s not for the staff, so we want them to feel comfortable coming here to learn some skills, make some connections and make some friends,” she said.

“We have the life skills program, the back to study program as well and we’ve got the therapy space, so we’ve got quite a range to help people build skills and really get out into the community and be involved.”

Northcott has been providing disability services for children and adults for almost a century and is hoping that the revamped all-in-one facility allows for better collaboration among staff and deeper connections with the community and clients.

While the space includes sensory areas, exercise spaces and communal areas, one thing it is unlikely to include at the Old Federal Brewery, is any beer-making paraphernalia.

“It’s certainly a question we’ve been asked a few times,” said Ms Nelson with a laugh.