Members of the community including Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr, Cessnock councillor Morgan Campbell and various sponsors, joined the Hostel committee for the unveiling of the organisation’s new name, led by officiator Meryl Swanson of 2HD.

Finding Yellow signifies the second and final phase of a two year re-branding period for the disability service.

For nearly 30 years Cessnock Hostel has been offering services to people with an intellectual disability through community outreach, emergency respite accommodation and brokerage services and currently provides full time accommodation to six clients.

However, according to service manager Jenny Field, there has always been a lot of misconception in the community about the role the hostel actually plays and that the rebranding was designed with a clearer message in mind.

“The rebranding has occurred in line with the changing dynamic of disability services and we wanted a new image that would reflect our vision and values,” she said. 

“We have always been extremely passionate about people’s independence.

“With the National Disability Insurance Scheme coming into play, this is definitely an exciting time for our industry. 

“This is an exciting time for our industry and the NDIS will ensure that every person living with a disability has a choice.”

Ms. Swanson shared some of the history behind the hostel, including how it was first formed by a small group of women.

“Cessnock Hostel as it is today is the result of nearly 30 years of dedication, commitment and ongoing community support and interest,” she said.

“Since 1975, when a small group of women with a common bond and vision as mum’s with children with a disability and members of the local ladies auxiliary, formed a committee to establish a safe home for their children with disabilities.

“A home where they could grow and develop as adults, and receive the support they needed.”

Cessnock Hostel’s mission is to support the independence of individuals with a disability in all aspects of lifestyle in the community. 

Vice-chairperson Kim Pagan said they do this by providing services that are person centred and very responsive to clients’ and community needs.  

“This really is the golden age for people living with a disability,” she said.

“We are seeing a complete change in the way that we look at people and it is so exciting to think that disability services are getting a whole new face.”

Finding Yellow was designed around the core values that drive the organisation, with the key focus on the clients’ interests and independence. 

Ms. Field said Finding Yellow represents finding a happy place and empowering their clients to find their own life path. 

As they move towards 2014 she said that they will continue to work towards being both a provider and employer of choice by becoming a stronger and more far-reaching organisation.

View more photos in our snapped gallery.