By Peter Douglas
FOR the key drivers involved in the Community Housing announcement at Lilydale on Wednesday, 2 March, it represented the culmination of years of hard work.
The securing of $2.9 million in funds to build 15 new units for vulnerable Victorians at Anderson Street was a crowning achievement for all involved.
But for Cecelia, 43, who has an intellectual disability, it signifies the return of her independence, which will be for the first time since her father passed away in 2010.
‘CC’, as she is affectionately known by Melba Support Services staff, lost her mother when she was just 17 years of age, but continued to live with her father until his passing.
So, not only did the Lilydale supermarket employee have to deal with her own grief, but she had no obvious place in which to live and was frightened.
Thankfully, Melba employee Sarina Bunnett welcomed ‘CC’ into her family home.
Ms Bunnett said Cecelia enjoyed her own space and would have found going exceptionally difficult in group accommodation.
But independence was always the aim for ‘CC’.
She said it would give her time to herself.
“I like to clean and cook, go shopping, watch television and have my own place,” she said.
“When my dad died, I was very sad – I didn’t want to be around too many people.”
Cecelia will call home one of the new units to be build, with almost half of the housing having high accessibility features such as full shower access, support handrails and kitchens designed for wheelchair users.
In order to minimise costs, the units will utilise sustainable design features to reduce energy and water consumption.
A host of representatives were on hand at the Uniting Church in Lilydale for the funding announcement.
Among them included Victorian Minister for Consumer Affairs, Jane Garret, who became emotional during her presentation.
“It’s days like this that I live for,” she said.
“This is the reason I do what I do, to help realise projects such as this, which will help so many vulnerable people.”
Ms Garrett said the project would be life-changing for the tenants.
“It’s important we build housing for people in their local communities so they can stay connected and can be close to existing support networks,” she said.
“Increasing the supply of affordable housing is a priority for the Victorian Government.
“This development will be close to public transport, health providers and community services so people get the support they need.”
In addition to the grant from the Victorian Property Fund, Community Housing is contributing $250,000, with Melba Support Services donating land more than $1 million and providing $125,000.
The Mount Evelyn and District Community Bank was also pivotal, providing initial financial support that helped Melba to purchase the site in 2014.
Melba Chief Executive Officer, Glenn Foard, thanked Minister Garret for her support.
“This is very exciting news, for far too long people with disabilities have not had access to affordable housing,” he said.
“Unlike other members of our community, people with disabilities have not been able to choose where they live or with whom.”
Mr Foard said Melba was in discussions with Apple Inc. about providing technology that can increase the independence and dignity of people who will live in the new units.
“Melba has a long, proud history that has been built on the vision of a few who have dreamed of better lives for people with disabilities,” he said.
“We are continuing that vision through this development.”
The historic Uniting Church will remain on the site as a place of worship and as a community centre.
The units are expected to be completed before the end of next year, with tenants due to move in shortly after.
