Ratten’s new role

By EMMA SUN
FORMER Carlton Football Club coach Brett Ratten has risen above his recent dismissal to become Melba Support Services’ 40th anniversary ambassador.
Mr Ratten, who calls Yarra Glen home, visited Melba in Mount Evelyn’s Wray Crescent to speak with residents supported by the organisation.
One of them was Cecelia North-Coombs, who is now living on her own and working as a hairdresser and also at Coles after receiving assistance from Melba.
She said she hoped Mr Ratten would learn more about Melba through his role as ambassador and told him about the significance the organisation has had in her life, helping her with accommodation, work and day to day tasks.
Mr Ratten said he was very pleased to be supporting Melba.
“I’m very fortunate and lucky to be associated with a great organisation that is so supportive for people in the community and the work they do is so fantastic,” he said.
“Disability is something that’s touched my heart and is close to my heart too.
“It’s important to support people with disabilities because it’s about the community and what we can do as a community together is just so powerful.”
Melba CEO Glenn Foard said it was great to have Mr Ratten on board for such a special year.
“It’s great to have Brett as our ambassador, we were thinking about who would be best for our 40th anniversary and we think Brett ticks all the boxes,” he said.
“We thought Brett had the same values that we have as an organisation – we put a lot of emphasis on treating people with dignity and respect and that’s what we thought you’d bring to the role as ambassador as well.
“We really do appreciate his support.”
Melba will have its Ruby Anniversary Gala Dinner on Saturday 13 October at Yarra Valley Racing in Yarra Glen.
It is still seeking partners, individual and businesses, for the anniversary, who will receive tickets to the event and official recognition in Melba’s history.
For more information, contact Melba Support Services on 9760 8200.