Merger talks for local charities
17 August 2011
Merger talks have taken place between Karingal and local not-for-profit organisation CREATE (Geelong) Inc. with a merger proposed for early next year.
Chair of CREATE (Geelong) Inc Barry Pearce said: “The move toward a possible merger has come about following a decision by the CREATE Board to seek a more sustainable future for the individuals and families it serves as well as the staff of CREATE.”
CREATE was established in 1986 by the former Shire of Corio as a federally funded Community Youth Support Scheme (CYSS) in Norlane. In 1994 the organisation commenced operations as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
CEO of Karingal Daryl Starkey said: “A due diligence process will be undertaken over the next two months which should then pave the way for the amalgamation of the two organisations. CREATE recently approached Karingal and merger discussions have evolved,” said Mr Starkey.
“Once the merger has the go-ahead it is proposed staff at CREATE will keep their jobs and existing programs and services would remain in place. For all clients of CREATE it will be business as usual.
“On behalf of the Board of Karingal, I welcome and look forward to working with management and staff of CREATE and to the new opportunities we develop together,” said Mr Starkey.
CREATE currently provides Youth, Disability, Welfare, Training and traineeships, Personal Support, and Community projects. in Geelong. It also provides youth and disability services in Werribee.