Fundraising for a new $1 million purpose-built community centre that will offer overnight respite in Portland has topped the halfway mark, thanks to $200,000 in funding from the Department of Human Services.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney in Portland today announced the grant and congratulated the Kyeema Centre on their efforts.
The overnight respite facility, which is part of the community centre, will be managed by the Kyeema Centre, which has already raised an additional $315,000 for the new facility from a number of private sources including Alcoa’s Portland operations.
“The level of community support indicates that this worthwhile project is something the people of Portland feel strongly about,” Ms Tierney said.
“The construction of the overnight respite facility will be the final stage of a significant redevelopment of shared supported accommodation and respite services for people with a disability in the Portland region.
“The Brumby Government developed this vision for Portland in consultation with local residents.
“I would urge the people of Portland to get behind this fundraising drive and help Kyeema translate its vision into reality.”
Community Services Minister Lisa Neville said that the funding was on top of the $12.5 million announced in the Brumby Government’s recent State Budget for flexible respite care across Victoria over the next four years.
“The Brumby Government has improved disability services with increased funding in recent years but there is always more to be done. I am delighted that we can contribute to the construction of a facility which will be an important one for the people of Portland.
“We recognise the value of respite care for disabled Victorians, their families and carers and we are committed to delivering more support and facilities to them.”
