Ten years ago, the Castlemaine community generously supported Mount Alexander Accommodation and Respite Group to construct a purpose-built respite facility for people with intellectual and development disabilities in Mount Alexander Shire.
The generosity of the McDonald family donating land, the Castlemaine Lions providing a substantial seeding grant and community members donations provided the Committee of Management with the ability to seek support from the state and federal governments to provide the balance of funding required.
The $1.4M Lions McDonald Hill House at 2 Melissa Court, McKenzie Hill has been hailed as a state-of-the-art venue to support people with various needs for short-term or medium-term accommodation. The house has continued to consolidate occupancy rates, ensuring a compatible mix of residents at any one time.
Service provider AMICUS Community Services operates the property on behalf of MASARG, supporting participants with NDIS funding with one-to-one level of support to ensure the best outcomes for individuals.
The gardens have grown beautifully, and the ongoing maintenance has ensured Melissa Court is welcoming and fit for purpose. Following completion of the house in 2016, MASARG has focused on advocacy for the development of long-term affordable housing for people with intellectual disability. The ‘Home of My Own’ Project was launched and was gaining momentum when COVID hit.
Like many projects, due to restrictions, MASARG lost momentum and with the rise of overall housing shortage, MASARG joined the My Home Network to collaborate with other community organisations.
Most members of the MASARG Committee of Management have been on the journey to establish respite and long-term housing since 2013 and some are ready to pass the baton to younger parents or interested community members.
The ommittee welcomes enquiries from interested individuals who could continue to advocate for long-term affordable housing for Mount Alexander residents with an intellectual or developmental disability.
They are looking for people with lived experience and/or particular skills to continue as the custodians of Melissa Court and to advocate for other types of ongoing accommodation.
The MASARG Annual General Meeting will be held on November 27 at the Melissa Court property. All are welcome to attend.
In the meantime, contact Bev Vines on 0488 650 980 or Jan Steen on 0409 638 905 to express your interest in becoming a member or joining the Committee of Management. It’s a wonderful way to volunteer and help your community.
Anyone interested in arranging a short-term stay at the house for a family member can contact AMICUS on 03 5441 2666 to discuss availability and cost.
