Group of people

Realising Tara's Dream

Tara McGowan was just 23 years of age and in her third year of studying to becoming a Special Needs Teacher when she tragically passed away in May 2015, from an asthma attack.

Tara was passionate about working towards moving young people out of nursing homes and into residential accommodation within the community.

To honour Tara and realise her dream, the Tara’s Dream Foundation, in partnership with genU, raised $300,000 towards the total cost of building Tara’s Dream – a house for people with a disability in the Bellarine area.

Tara’s Dream House

Through the incredible generosity of everyone who contributed to this appeal, Tara’s Dream became a reality in January 2019.

The house was built on land granted by the City of Greater Geelong and provided fully accessible accommodation to enhance the lives of young people living with a disability.

The development comprises of:

  • a 5-bedroom house, plus staff accommodation on one block,
  • a 2-bedroom house and;
  • two 1-bedroom units on the second block with a communal outdoor living area.

Since then, the Tara’s Dream Foundation have also teamed up with Blood Toyota to deliver a brand new Hyundai iMax to the residents of Tara’s Dream enabling the residents more convenience and independence when travelling around Ocean Grove and beyond.

Our Thanks

A special thank you to the amazing McGowan family – Steve, Karen, Brooke and Daniel who have created a lasting tribute to their inspirational daughter and sister.