Koiop Connect is a disability support service dedicated to helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Hunter and Western regions. Following remarkable growth and a desire to further their offering in the community, founders Jake and Tareka Chatfield recently launched event space Pier Ninety One (formerly Peibri Place) in the heart of Newcastle. We recently sat down with Jake to learn about Koiop Connect (Koiop) and Pier Ninety One, and how important it is to support local business.
Who are Koiop Connect and Pier Ninety One?
Koiop Connect started in 2018 to provide disability support services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that is culturally unique and meaningful. As a registered NDIS provider, Koiop work with participants to help them maintain independence and nurture a positive quality of life, whilst also embracing their culture.
With a background in community support and experience with the PCYC, Jake and Tareka understand the importance of helping people with disability lead a normal life and have access to support essential to them, particularly in regional areas where services can be limited, which is why Koiop provide their services in not only Newcastle, but also Dubbo, Moree and Tamworth.
How does Koiop help the community? Equipped with a team of over 100 and 6 houses in Newcastle, support can come in many forms, including supported independent living, community participation, personal care through to short term accommodation, help with household chores and even work experience opportunities.
In addition to this, Jake and Tareka recently launched Pier Ninety One (prev Peibri Place), replacing the Marina Views Function Centre. Not only does it boast picturesque water views in the heart of Newcastle, Pier Ninety One is an emerging multi-purpose space that caters for celebrations, corporate events and community functions.
How has Sharp Office been involved?
“I remembered we had a printer from Sharp Office in my last job and never had a problem with it” says Jake, which is what lead him to call and ask about a new photocopier for Koiop Connect. Having a brand that people ‘know and trust’ is important as is the interaction between businesses. As a business owner, Jake values the ‘support and personal service’ he receives from other businesses. He describes his experience with Scott Roberts being “positive and I felt that Scott truly listened to what we needed and made the whole process seamless”.
Scott was able to provide a solution by way of a new Sharp BP70C45 photocopier and Kyocera M3655idn desktop printer for the Koiop head office, and an 86-inch HDi Interactive Screen for Pier Ninety One. While initially seeking to improve the print technology for Koiop, Jake was introduced to the capabilities of the HDi Interactive screens for use in the events space. From showcasing videos, photos and presentations, through to collaborating in workshops, Jake sees the HDi as “a good selling point that replaces all the old stuff like projectors’.
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