On 15 May 2019, Paul Burness and Ivan Glavas of Worrells Solvency and Forensic Accountants were appointed voluntary administrators of Mawarra Centre Inc, which is an incorporated association providing National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) services and disability support services.
Mawarra has operated in Victoria’s West Gippsland region since 1959 and was registered as an incorporated association in 1991. It currently delivers Support Services to over 70 clients and operates three Australian Disability Enterprises providing supported employment opportunities to over 28 employees.
Its Support Services function is funded by the Department of Human Services.
The board regret the need to appoint voluntary administrators to Mawarra, however the decision followed a prudent concern for the association’s likely and impending insolvent status.
Mr Burness said, “This has been a difficult and sombre decision for the board to reach. Their strong relationships with the surrounding communities and the impact the appointment will have on them, weighs heavily on their hearts.”
Worrells assert that the objectives of the voluntary administration regime allow businesses to address issues, and if possible, with creditor approval return it to a healthy trading prospect.
Under the voluntary administration process, a first meeting of creditors is held within eight business days of the appointment, and a second meeting of creditors is usually held within 20 to 30 business days after the appointment. It is at the second meeting that creditors will determine the future for Mawarra.
“The board remain committed to working with us, as administrators, to get the best outcome for the association and the community. Their involvement and passion for the association is invaluable and undoubtedly will be critical at each juncture in this process.”
“Given the board’s proactive actions to assess the association’s business performance and meet its requirement not to trade while insolvent, we are in a good position to move forward to find a like-minded organisation to get the clients’ needs met, and to transition any assets.”
Worrells appreciates the impact the appointment has on the individuals with disability needs who are working with Mawarra to reach their potential, their families, the employees, the creditors, and the community at large. Worrells will continue to proactively communicate with all affected parties at each step in the administration.
Any concerned parties and interested like-minded organisations are invited to contact the Worrells Melbourne office on melbourne@worrells.net.au or 03 9613 5510.
Worrells has 27 offices nationally and 30 partners, across Qld, NSW, ACT, Vic, SA, and WA. Worrells has been providing solvency management, insolvency administration, and forensic investigation services for over 45 years.
–ENDS–
Paul Burness
Partner, Melbourne
paul.burness@worrells.net.au
03 9613 5510