Disability Services Newsletter –Summer 2015
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Mayor’s message
As the newly elected Mayor, I am delighted to reflect back on this exciting year. Some of the highlights include the opening of Crown Street Stables café in March, improvements to accessible parking project and the launch of our Facility Based Respite subsidy pilot program. International Day of People with Disability is almost here and we have exciting events planned. I look forward to working with our vibrant and diverse community to explore ways we can continue to make our city more inclusive for all residents.
Disability Action Plan Update
In August 2014, Council adopted the Disability Action Plan (DAP) 2014–23. The plan sets out the
actions Council will take over the 10 years to support an inclusive community for people with disability, their carers and disability service providers. Some key highlights from the DAP in 2014-15 were the Facilities Based Respite Subsidy pilot program, Accessible Parking project, International Day of People with Disability celebrations and the Accessible and Adaptable Housing Plan and forum. Thank you to everyone who took time to contribute to the plan. For a copy of the plan visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/DAP or call 9243 8748.
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News in brief
National Disability Insurance Scheme Update
The Federal and State Government recently signed the first two agreements for the full rollout of the $22 billion National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Victoria. Implementation of the scheme was also announced, and eligible Moonee Valley residents will be able to access the scheme from 1 October 2018. For more information on eligibility visit ndis.gov.au or call 1800 800 110.
Spirit of Moonee Valley
Council held the 16th annual Spirit of Moonee Valley Community Awards on Friday, 2 October at the Clocktower Centre, to reward and recognise some of our city’s most active and generous citizens. Congratulations to our Contribution to Family Award winner YMCA Disability Services in Avondale Heights. YMCA seeks to advance the equitable inclusion of people with disability. They provide families and individuals with a sense of community, a sense of family and an above and beyond commitment to delivering on services.
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Celebrating all abilities
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!
Employment, Education and Volunteering Expo
When: Wednesday, 2 December, 10am-3pm
Where: Clocktower Centre, 750 Mt Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds
This event will bring together a range of service providers to support people with a disability to get the information they need to access employment, education and volunteering opportunities. Local disability employment services, registered training organisations and disability support organisations will be among the exhibitors. Skill workshops, lunch and other fun activities will take place throughout the day.
Inclusive Children’s Fair
When: Sunday, 6 December, 1pm-4pm
Where: Crown Street Stables, 40 Crown Street, Flemington
A day for the kids not to be missed! The fun includes a West Side Circus workshop, interactive LEGO and sporting activities. Please note, due to limited places, this event is for children with a disability and their siblings only.
NDIS Information Forum
When: Tuesday, 8 December 6pm-8pm
Where: Windy Hill, Corner Napier and Brewster Street, Essendon
Come and hear from a range of guest speakers about the NDIS trial site in Barwon.
Please let us know if you any specific access requirements, transport and direct carer support is also available on request. RSVPs are essential, please contact 9243 8748 or visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/idpwd to register your attendance.
All Abilities Netball win Victoria State titles
The All Abilities Netball team made up of Moonee Valley residents recently competed in the State Netball trials in Bendigo and won! Congratulations to the team who won the grand final in the AAA Reserve Division. The team is mixed gender, inclusive and play each Saturday morning in North Melbourne. For more information or to join the team contact Esther Bryant on 9337 2053.
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What’s on?
Event (ages, if app.) / Location / Date(s)/Time / ContactEmployment, Education and Volunteering Expo / Clocktower Centre, 750 Mt Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds / Wednesday, 2 December, 10am-3pm / 9243 8748
Council
Saturday Night Live
(Group 1- Ages 13-25) / Youth Centre, Wilson Street Moonee Ponds / Saturday, 5 December and 6 February / Council
9243 8748
Saturday Night Live
(Group 2- 25-40) / Ascotvale Neighbourhood Centre
101 Union Road Ascotvale / Saturday 12 December and 13th February / Council
9243 8748
Inclusive Children’s Fair / Crown Street Stables, 40 Crown Street, Flemington / Sunday, 6 December, 1pm-4pm / Council
9243 8748
NDIS Information Forum / Windy Hill, Corner Napier and Brewster Street, Essendon / Tuesday, 8 December 6pm-8pm / Council
9243 8748
Carols in the Park / Queens Park, Moonee Ponds Victoria / Sunday, 13 December / Council
9243 8888
Able Hearts Special Needs Playgroup / Lincolnville Preschool Devon Avenue, Keilor East / Thursdays
9.30am-11.30am / Lisa Leehane
9337 2551
Social Connections
(Ages 35 plus) / Social Connections, Williamstown Foreshore / Saturday, 19 December / Council
9243 8748
Disco Inferno
(18-35 years olds) / Kellaway Avenue Neighbourhood Centre / Friday, 18 December 7pm-11pm / Council
9243 8748
Having a Say Conference / Deakin University Waterfront Campus
Geelong / Wed 10th Feb, 2016 - Fri 12th Feb, 2016 / VALID
03 9416 4003
Siblings in Sync Holiday Program / The Channel, Arts Centre Melbourne
St Kilda Road, Melbourne / Tuesday, 12 January
Thursday, 14January 11am-12 / Arts Centre Melbourne
03 92818790
Please contact our Metro Access Officer on 9243 1647 if you would like to promote an upcoming program or event.
Concessions Corner
This section of the newsletter keeps you informed about programs, grants and subsidies that can save you money and make activities more affordable.
Medical Cooling Concession
The Medical Cooling Concession provides a 17.5 per cent discount on summer electricity costs for cardholders where a member of the family has a disability that affects the body’s ability to regulate temperature. This concession is available from 1 November to 30 April each year. To apply for the concession contact your electricity retailer for an application form or contact the Concessions Information Line on 1800 658 521.
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Holiday period opening hours
Over the holiday period there will be a number of changes to Council opening times and programs. Please make a note of the following changes to our programs and opening hours.
Civic centre - Closed 1pm on Thursday 24th December -Reopen Tuesday 29th December. Closed 1st January
Moonee Valley Men’s Sheds (Aberfeldie, Flemington and Strathmore) and Upcycle Shop
Closed 25th December 2015 (inclusive) – Reopening week commencing Monday 18th January 2016
Healthy Ageing Exercise Classes (including Crown St Stables programs)
Closed 19th December 2015 (inclusive) – classes recommencing week 1st February 2016
Knit and Knatter groups (Ascot Vale Neighbourhood Centre and Crown St Stables)
Ending on the 18th December – recommencing the week 11th January 2016
Saturday Night Live (Group One)Ending 5 December – recommencing 6th February 2016
Saturday Night Live (Group Two)Ending 12 December– recommencing 13th of February 2016
Social Connections Ending 19th of December– recommencing 20th February 2016
For more information on any of our programs please contact Aged and Disability services on 9243 8748
Children with ASD and Disability App
Raising Children Network released a free app for parents of children with disability and ASD. Find plain English information, resources, evidence-based research and services. For more information visit raisingchildren.net.au
Action on Disability within Ethnic Communities Inc.
Action on Disability within Ethnic Communities Inc. (ADEC) empowers people with disability from non-English speaking backgrounds, carers and families to fully participate as members of the community. They provide individual advocacy, support accessing services and information about entitlements. For more information call 9480 1666 or visit adec.org.au
Multi-Purpose Taxi Program Review
The State Government is reviewing the Multi-Purpose Taxi Program and considering how to improve transport for people with limited mobility. To provide feedback visit economicdevelopment.vic.gov.au/transport or call 1800 064 887 by Friday, 4 December.
GLBTDSS
Activities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, gender and sexually diverse community for people who have intellectual or physical disabilities, mental illness or are older adults. For more information call 8368 0134 or visit glbtdss.com.au