by Emma Ballingall

An anxious 18-month wait to determine the long-term future for Scope in Warragul is over.

Shane Morgan said families were left shocked then excited when Scope chief executive officer Kate MacRae announced the disability service provider had purchased the "Mawarra" site in Percy St at a meeting on Wednesday night.
The announcement was made public on Friday, with the 24 adults with a disability and 18 staff expected to move out of Scope's long-term home in George St and into its bigger and better location by the end of the year.
Having pushed the need for Scope to remain in Warragul to lessen any impact and disruption to their children, Mr Morgan said families believed the new site was in a perfect spot, ticked all their boxes and was "a win-win for everybody".
"It's been a worrying time for all of us," Mr Morgan said. "There was no security, there was no guarantee. At one stage there, I thought this is never going to end."
"We're overawed with emotion over it happening," he added. "It's ours and there's no lease to sign."
"That's a lot of security given to the parents. Now that changes everything and there's a lot to look forward to."
Ms MacRae said the purchase of the Percy St site from fellow community organisation Knoxbrooke secured the future of its social connections service and reinforced a long-term commitment to individuals and families in the Baw Baw region.
After 50 years at the George St site, families were notified in December 2023 that Scope would need to vacate the council-owned site by July 1, 2024. After public outcry, councillors extended the deadline several times.
Scope said the site purchase followed an extensive search and would benefit the community for years to come.
After considering several options, none of which were ideal in terms of suitability or lease arrangements, the opportunity to purchase the Knoxbrooke centre presented itself.
"For our clients and families, this new location ensures that we can keep delivering the services and experiences that matter most, in a space designed for that purpose," Ms MacRae said.
Scope said the site was in good condition and located close to the town centre, offering more space and accessibility for clients.
Once Knoxbrooke vacates the site at the end of August, Scope plans to undertake some minor upgrades before the official move. More detail for families is expected closer to August but the organisation aim to have all clients and staff moved in by the end of the year.
With the Percy St site offering a larger space, Scope also noted "the potential to significantly increase the numbers of clients and staff" as well as develop offerings and deliver other Scope programs to Warragul.
With a long history in Warragul, Scope said the purchase reflected its belief in long-term sustainability and in creating continuity of care for the community.
"Our clients are individuals with unique strengths, needs and goals," Ms MacRae said. "This new site will allow us to continue supporting them in a way that reflects that."
Mr Morgan said families were looking forward to a bigger and brighter future at the new location, praising Member for Monash Mary Aldred, Member for Narracan Wayne Farnham, Baw Baw Shire mayor Danny Goss and everybody in the community for "really getting behind us".
"As parents, we appreciate that," he said.
The move also will pave the way for Baw Baw Shire to expand its kindergarten service at the George St site.
Although Scope built the facilities and has occupied the site under a peppercorn rental since 1973, Baw Baw Shire owns the building which is home to Grace Berglund Kindergarten.
Council has plans to expand the 22-place kindergarten to 66 places. Works were delayed when councillors provided an 18-month lease extension to Scope in December last year.