By MELISSA MEEHAN
MELBA Support services will move their adult training support to the former Swinburne campus in Lilydale.
The not-for-profit organisation supporting people with disabilities, today (Tuesday) announced it was relocating from Ormeau Road, Mt Evelyn.
But Melba chief executive Glenn Foard said there would still be a strong presence in Mount Evelyn, in three locations including their Wray Crescent shopfront.
He said Melba would still be a part of the Mount Evelyn Chamber of Commerce and METIC too.
“We are grateful to Swinburne University for making one of the buildings on the campus available for our use,” Mr Foard said.
“It is a perfect location and a great building. The building is accessible for people who use wheelchairs and has sufficient space to meet the needs of people we support.”
Melba provides training to adults with disabilities, focusing on pre-vocational and vocational skills, communication, literacy, numeracy and daily living skills.
Melba programs fall within the current ‘‘public use-education’’ zoning for the Lilydale site.
Under the terms of the agreement, Melba will rent the building from Swinburne.
“This new location will enable us to expand our capacity and meet the local need for our training services,” Mr Foard said.
“People using our services will benefit from being closer to public transport and community facilities.
“We want to remain part of the Mt Evelyn community, but we also want to play a greater role in the Lilydale community and service the entire Shire of Yarra Ranges.
“We are looking forward to building relationships with businesses, the Lilydale High School and local community groups.”
Mr Foard said Melba would work collaboratively with any other services or organisations that might relocate to the campus in the future.
He said the current property where Melba resided highlighted a number of safety issues including bushfire and falling trees.
A buyer for the site is currently in discussions with Melba.
Swinburne Vice Chancellor, Professor Linda Kristjanson, said Melba Support Services’ move to the site was in line with the university’s commitment to creating a positive future for the former campus.
“In considering the future of Lilydale, we have been guided by the principle that we want the site returned to productive use. The work of Melba Support Services clearly meets that principle.’’
Melba Support Services will gradually start moving into their new home next month.
The Swinburne Lilydale campus closed on 1 July last year.
