Construction of a new six-bed respite centre for people in the Yarrawonga and Mulwala will be furnished with modern fittings thanks to a new $100,000 Brumby Labor Government grant.
“The much-anticipated new Gorman House respite care centre now under construction means carers who work so tirelessly to look after their loved ones can get a break,” Community Services Minister Lisa Neville said, announcing the funding today.
“This centre, for people who have an intellectual or physical disability, is a great example of how the Brumby Labor Government has worked in partnership with local residents.
“Our Government is committed to providing services that are focused on the needs and aspirations of Victorians living with a disability.
“This new centre, which started construction last year, has been made possible thanks to the dedication of the local community, who have made this respite centre possible with an amazing fundraising effort.”
Ms Neville said the community had raised about $600,000 towards the construction, while the new grant took the Brumby Labor Government’s investment to $200,000.
The centre, to be run by Northern Disability Services, is being built on a donated block of land, worth an estimated $200,000.
Ms Neville said Victorians across the state always pulled together to support their community when needed and this project was a terrific example of the Yarrawonga and Mulwala community’s support for local carers.
Ms Neville praised the efforts of Northern Disability Services and the Yarrawonga-Mulwala Respite House Committee, led by chairman Jim Smith. NDS is a disability services provider based in Numurkah.
“In 2010-11, the Brumby Labor Government has allocated $915,000 in support for NDS, including outreach, shared supported accommodation and other supports for people with a disability,” Ms Neville said.
“I am looking forward to seeing Gorman House in operation.”