The John Paul Foundation Discovery Centre: Holdmark Property Group’s Sarkis Nassif teams up with Warrah, Dural

A development tycoon has embarked on a fresh philanthropic venture as part of a foundation set up in memory of his deceased son.

He is a Sydney development tycoon who is partly responsible for the transformation of Parramatta, Meadowbank, Burwood and Auburn into high-rise suburbs.

Now, Sarkis Nassif has delivered a project closer to the heart and teamed up with Warrah Disability Services to open a groundbreaking new community centre.

Sarkis Nassif.

The John Paul Foundation Discovery Centre, named after Mr Nassif’s deceased son John Paul, was born out of a partnership program between not for profit organisation Warrah and the developer’s Holdmark Property Group.

This centre will be used as a community support service for young adults living with disability and is one of The John Paul Foundation’s many philanthropic projects directed at assisting those facing hardships due to illness, tragedy and adversity.

The John Paul Foundation Discovery Centre is located at 20 Harris Road, Dural – a 20ha campus run by Warrah Disability Services, which already boasts the Warrah Specialist School (for Kindergarten to Year 12 students), a farm and community support services.

The new John Paul Foundation Discovery Centre in Dural.

Speaking at the centre’s opening, Mr Nassif said he was proud to support the work of Warrah.

“I have seen first-hand the incredible support Warrah provides to the community through their programs so I was thrilled to be able to provide the resources needed to ensure this new facility could be built,” he said.

“The new facilities at the John Paul Foundation Discovery Centre will help provide young adults with the support needed for the choices they have made for their life journey.”

Hornsby Shire Mayor Philip Ruddock attended the opening of the John Paul Foundation Discovery Centre.

The John Paul Foundation Discovery Centre’s new building will provide short stay accommodation for young adults.

It includes accessible bedrooms and bathrooms and two work areas. There is also a new kitchen and living area, as well as a deck overlooking new bushland landscaping.

Alongside short stay accommodation, the centre will also offer programs targeted towards recent high school graduates, helping their transition to adulthood.

A group touring the centre’s facilities.

The centre is surrounded by hectares of bushland.

At the centre’s opening on April 1, Warrah chairman Steve Malin said the centre was an extraordinary asset for the entire community.

“The centre will serve this community for generations to come and ensure young adults living with a disability have access to the services they need,” Mr Malin said.