Newcastle's Everton Residential Services Inc had been earmarked for closure, leaving staff and 29 intellectually disabled clients facing an uncertain future.
But last night's ASU rally to Save Everton saw government officials pledge to safeguard the service and determine its future in consultation with staff.
Public pressure from the ASU has also ensured:
1.Everton residential homes and services will not be split up and/or sold off individually under the upcoming tender process.
2.Preference will be given to tenderers committed to retaining staff.
3.Preference will be given to non-profit, community based tenderers.
Around 100 union members, clients', families, media and community supporters attended last night's rally, before marching to Newcastle Trades Hall where they received support from Newcastle' unions.
The rally also heard a representative from the Everton committee responsible for the closure attempt to justify the decision.
Source: Australian Services Union: ASU People: ASU Action saves Newcastle Disability Service 20 June