Disability Services Newsletter–Summer 2016

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Mayors Message

Welcome to the summer edition of the Disability Services Newsletter. In December each year, as a part of International Day of People with a Disability we recognise residents of Moonee Valley and celebrate their contribution to our diverse municipality. This year we have some exciting activities so I encourage you to get involved, for more information visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/idpwd

Arts Project Australia

Arts Project Australia, located in Northcote, is an open studio that supports people with an intellectual disability to undertake independent creative projects. Projects include visual art, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture and digital media. Local artist, Adrian Salvatore, who attends the program recently sold two art works through the gallery. We congratulate Adrian on his achievement and invite other artists to get involved.

For more information contact Arts Project Australia on 9482 4484.Page 2

News in brief

Back-Pay available under BSWAT Payment Scheme

If you are a person with a cognitive disability who was recently employed by an Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs) you may be eligible for back pay under new laws. Employees hired using the Business Services Wage Assessment Tool (BSWAT) may be entitled to tax free payments for money earned between January 2004 and May 2014.

Be quick! To find out if you might be eligible you need to register by 30 April 2017.

For more information call 1800 799 515 or email

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Celebrating diversity and inclusion

International Day of People with Disability (3 December) aims to promote understanding of people with disability and encourage support for their dignity, rights and inclusion in the community. To mark this, Council is hosting several free community events.

‘Painterly Visions’ Mural Launch
When: Wednesday, 30 November, 10am-12pm
Where: Ascot Vale Neighbourhood Centre

Come along to the launch of a community mural by Arts Access Victoria’s SRS program which celebrates inclusion and diversity.

Celebrating All Abilities in Sport
When: Friday, 2 December, 11am-1pm
Where: Ascot Vale Leisure Centre

Try your hand at a range of different games and sporting opportunities at this sports open day.Lunch provided.

Choose Your Own Film Festival
When: December 2016 – January 2017 (Opening Monday, 5 December, 6pm-8pm)
Where: Moonee Valley Libraries (Niddrie and Avondale Heights) and Crown Street Stables Community Café

Catch one of five films that promote the rights and inclusion of people with disability

Please let us know if you have any specific access requirements. RSVPs are essential, call 9243 8748 or visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/idpwd for more information.

These celebrations are an initiative of Council’s Disability Action Plan 2014-23 which can be viewed at mvcc.vic.gov.au/dap

Family Active Holiday Program- Baptcare Moonee Ponds

The Family Active Holiday program provides funding and assistance to help people with a disability get away and enjoy a holiday within Victoria. The program will cover part of the holiday costs and also any assistance required to co-ordinate a holiday. The program is open to people with complex support needs, aged 6-65 and living in Moonee Valley (Western Melbourne)

For more information contact Baptcare Family and Community Services on 9373 3800 or email Prue French (Disability Services Intake Worker) on

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What’s on?

Event (ages, if app.) / Location / Date(s)/Time / Contact
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Peer Support Group / Coburg / 1–3pm
4th Wed of month / 1800 042 138
MyTime Parent support group / Avondale Heights / 9.30am - 11.30am every Monday / 8387 0649 LeAnn Williams
Accessing technology workshop / Avondale Heights Library and Learning Centre / Friday, 2nd of December / 9243 8888Council
International Day of People with a Disability / Various Locations / Saturday, 3 December / Visit
Social Connection Program / Day trip to Geelong / Saturday, 17December / Council 9243 8888
The Choir of Hard Knocks / Clocktower Centre Moonee Ponds / 11am Tuesday13 December / 9243 9191Clocktower
Having a Say Conference / Deakin University Geelong / 8-10 February / VALID 9416 4003
Moonee Valley Festival / Queens Park, Moonee Ponds / Sunday 26February / Council 9243 8888
Great Breaks – Big Day In / Sovereign Hill and Mini Golf / Thursday 26January / 9680 8444Mackillop Disability Services
The Disabled Surfers Association
Come and Try days / Ocean Grove and Inverlock / Sunday 5 February and Saturday 11 February / 0408 253 206
Phil Christie
Stepping Stones Triple P Parenting Support program / Sydenham / Mondays from February 6th to 27th March 2017 / 9680 8444 Mackillop Disability Services
Great Breaks- Portarlington Camp / Portarlington / Saturday, 5 November and Sunday 6 November / 9680 8444 Mackillop Disability Services

Please contact our Metro Access Officer on 9243 1647 if you would like to promote an upcoming program or event.

Concessions Corner

Keeping you informed about programs, grants and subsidies that can save you money and make activities more affordable.

MS Go for Gold Scholarships

MS Go for Gold Scholarships are open to people living with multiple sclerosis who wish to follow a dream.

The scholarships can be used to achieve dreams from a number of topics, including education, travel, the arts, music, sport, employment and lifestyle. Each scholarship is up to $3,000 in value.

For more information call 1800 042 138 or visit

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Beat the heat this Summer

This year, we’re expecting a long hot summer which can have serious health effects for some people with disability. There are things we can all do to survive the heat like drinking water (even if you don’t feel thirsty), seeking out airconditioned buildings, drawing your blinds to keep the heat out and taking cool showers. If you know extreme heat is on the way take a moment to plan ahead.

If you or anyone you know feels unwell on a hot day call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24, or call 000 in an emergency. For more information visit

Disability Sport and Recreation- Equipment Loan Scheme

Disability Sport and Recreation (DSR) has accessible sporting equipment available for loan to help you get active.Equipment can be loaned for a maximum period of three months at a time for a small fee to assist with equipment maintenance. Equipment for load includes modified wheelchairs for sports, handcycles, adaptive fishing equipment and a beach wheelchair – perfect for the warm weather!

For more information contact Disability Sport & Recreation on (03)9473 0133 or

Carer Gateway

Carer Gateway is a national online and phone service that provides practical information and resources to support carers. The interactive service finder helps carers connect to local support services.

For more information visit or call 1800 422 737