One of Coastlink’s most popular accommodation venues has been renamed as ‘Roberts Lodge’ in honour of the organisation’s longest-serving board member, Helen Roberts.
The renaming was made official at a ceremony held at the venue on Monday 3 July 2023, which was attended by Helen Roberts and her family, as well as Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch MP, Coastlink’s Board Members, staff, and residents and carers from the Lodge.
An organisational stalwart, Helen Roberts gave two decades of voluntary contribution to Coastlink, and was also recently honoured as the organisation’s first-ever Life Member.
Having been appointed to the Coastlink Board in 2003, Helen offered a wealth of experience in disability, aged care and transport services from her work as the CEO of Community Transport Central Coast Ltd, as well as her roles on the Community Transport State Peak Body Board and other local not-for-profit boards.
Coastlink Chair, John Mouland, said that renaming the venue allowed the organisation to pay tribute to an individual who was so committed to improving the lives of people living with disability on the Central Coast.
“On behalf of Coastlink’s Board, our staff and our clients, I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Helen for her passion and dedication over the past two decades.
“Renaming our group home in Watanobbi to Roberts Lodge is one way we are able to recognise her for her unfailing involvement, influence and input. Helen was instrumental in setting the direction of Coastlink during her tenure, and I believe this was a fitting way for us to honour her longstanding contribution,” Mr Mouland said.
Coastlink CEO, John Davis, said it was a privilege to be able to officially rename Coastlink Lodge to ‘Roberts Lodge’ in her honour.
“People like Helen are the lifeblood of our organisation, and it’s only through this kind of dedication and vision that we’re able to achieve our purpose: assisting individuals living with disability to live lives of choice, inclusion and opportunity.
“Each and every day, our Board, Senior Management Team and staff members work together to ensure we can maintain our reputation as the Central Coast’s most trusted disability and aged care provider.
“On behalf of every member of the Coastlink community, I would like to thank Helen for all she has done to grow and strengthen our organisation,” Mr Davis said.
Formerly known as ‘Coastlink Lodge’, the newly renamed ‘Roberts Lodge’ accommodation was first opened in Watanobbi in 2019.
At Roberts Lodge, residents living with disability are supported to live as independently as possible, with a dedicated team of support workers always on-hand to assist and support them every step of the way.
Residents at Roberts Lodge are also able to access Coastlink’s wide range of social and community activities, including Day Programs, Individual Supports and Community Access outings.
You can learn more about Coastlink’s wide range of disability, aged care and accommodation options at coastlink.org.au, or by following the organisation on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.
Top banner image, L-R: Coastlink Board Members Dr Brok Glenn, Nicole Redmond and Ainslie Whitburn; Guest of Honour, Helen Roberts; Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch MP; Coastlink Chair, John Mouland.
Second image, L-R: Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch MP; Guest of Honour, Helen Roberts; Coastlink Chair, John Mouland; Coastlink CEO John Davis.
Third and fourth images, L-R: Coastlink Chair, John Mouland, Guest of Honour, Helen Roberts, and Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch MP unveil the plaque at the newly renamed Roberts Lodge.