Mirridong Services will receive $2.32 million from the Federal Government to help people with a disability in the Yarram district to live more comfortably within their community.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester was in Yarram this morning to make the announcement.
“Mirridong will use the money to build two new supported living units, one with four bedrooms and one with five bedrooms,” Mr Chester said. “This is wonderful news for families in Yarram and the surrounding areas.
“There is a growing need for supported living units, so this expansion will help ensure Mirridong can continue to meet the demands of the community.
“It is crucial that Mirridong is able to provide the support that families need for their loved ones. If families can’t find appropriate accommodation for their loved ones locally, they will look for that support elsewhere and move away to access it.”
The new units will be fully accessible. The bedrooms will be large enough to fit a double bed, small couch, desk and wardrobe, and will have an adjoining ensuite. Both units will have a bedroom, ensuite and an office for carers.
“I have been doing everything I can to secure the necessary funding for Mirridong to create a safe, supported home environment where adults with a disability can live as independently as possible,” Mr Chester said.
“At the moment, aged care facilities are the only option when emergencies arise and parents are unable to care for their adult children.
“Many parents are now aged in their 70s and 80s. These new supported living units will give them much-needed support and peace of mind when they are no longer able to provide the care their child needs.
“The ability to make a real and meaningful difference in the lives of those some of our most vulnerable people really is one of the best parts of my job.
“Mirridong, its staff, residents and others who take part in its programs are a much-loved and valued part of the Yarram community. It’s a great pleasure to be able to get the funding for Mirridong so it continues to strengthen as an organisation and the people it serves continue to prosper.”
Construction of the new units will provide six to 12 months work for local tradespeople. Once operational, there will be permanent part-time work of around 30 hours a week for 10 staff members and four part-time positions of 10-15 hours a week to help with community participation programs on weekends and holidays.
