Deputy
Mayor, Cr Jason Callanan, and Cr Maria McCarthy visited the Mt Evelyn office of
the
local disability support provider, Melba Support
Services, to personally present a cheque for $8,600 on behalf of all Yarra
Ranges Councillors.
Mr
Foard said “this very generous donation comes after Melba launched an appeal in
our Autumn newsletter seeking community support to help increase and improve our
transport services. Several of Melba’s buses have driven over 300,000
kilometres and have past their useful life and require replacing.”
“Ensuring
that we have a safe, reliable and specially fitted-out fleet of vehicles to
assist us in helping each person we support make meaningful connections within
their community is essential”, Mr Foard said.
Melba
works with people with complex support needs, assisting them to have valued roles
within their communities. Vehicles are used to help people access their
community for work, recreation, therapy or other health-related services, Mr
Foard said.
“Being
able to provide individuals with transport allows us to support each person’s
emotional and physical health and well-being,” said Mr Foard.
“Our
vehicles, which are fitted with hoists to assist people who use wheelchairs,
allow people to be involved in activities that enhance their relationships and
their quality of life – without the transport services we provide that would simply
not be possible.”
“This
donation will enable people to perform a range of activities, including
community-based volunteering. Rob, Phil and Bec, who are supported by Melba, assist
in the delivery of meals on wheels for people living in the Yarra Ranges.
Others visit the Emerald SES and assist by washing their vehicles”, said Mr
Foard.
Mr
Foard also urged local businesses who may wish to advertise on Melba buses and,
at the same time support Melba’s work, to contact Mrs Lisa Glassborow, Manager
Community Relations, on 0402 302 477.
In
January this year, Melba was declared the Yarra Ranges Council Community Group
of the Year 2013, an achievement everyone at Melba is very proud of, Mr Foard
said.
About Melba Support
Services
Melba
(named after Dame Nellie Melba) provides support services to some 140 people
with physical and intellectual disabilities. It has been a leading community
organisation in the Yarra Ranges for more than 40 years. Melba is also the
first organisation in Australia to be accredited for person-centred excellence
by the U.S.-based Council on Quality and Leadership.
