By Derek Schlennstedt
Over the past 26 years, the Interchange-Outer East (IOE) Children and Family Services team has grown and developed, and so too has their family camp program.
To recognise this program, Minister for Disability and Ageing Martin Foley presented the organisation with the Excellence in Promoting Health, Housing and Wellbeing award.
This award recognises excellence of an individual or group who have helped improve the health and wellbeing of people with a disability.
IOE was specifically nominated for their family camp program.
“Family camp is a concept where we help to make a family holiday possible, for those who may struggle to go elsewhere due to the difficulties of having to care for children with disabilities,” Karen Munzel, co-ordinator of Children and Families team said.
“It’s something that is unique to Interchange Outer East.”
“It is an opportunity for people to spend time together, away from their day-to-day lives and to have a break from the routine.”
Since its inception in 1991, the family camps have grown in popularity and IOE now runs three per year which cater for over 100 families.
The camps allow families who care for children with disabilities the opportunity to holiday together for a fully supported and fully accessible fun weekend.
These camps are free from the judgement and stress that many families of children with disability face.
Karen said IOE was ‘very excited’ to have received the award.
“It’s pretty nice to get a Victoria-wide award that recognises your work,” she said.
Minister Foley, who presented the awards, commended the incredible contribution that Interchange Outer East makes in supporting families who have a child or young person with a disability
“There have been many outstanding achievements by those nominated this year, and it’s important that we recognise how hard they’ve worked to empower people with a disability and create a more inclusive community,” Minister Foley said.
“These awards recognise the real and profound impact these individuals and organisations have made on the lives of people with disability.”
“All of the nominees can be tremendously proud of their efforts to make our communities more inclusive and to bring about change for people with disability.”
