New $7.8m state-of-the-art accommodation for young people with disability

The Rudd and Brumby Government’s have jointly committed $4 million in funding for a $7.8 million purpose built residence in Melbourne for young people with complex needs.This facility is being built as part is a $60.2m Rudd and Brumby Government investment over 5 years to build seven new accommodation services providing better accommodation and support options for younger people living in, or at risk of living in, Residential Aged Care facilities.

The , Bill Shorten, today officially opened Villa Maria’s new site and turned the first sod at the state of the art development at Alphington in Melbourne.

“Villa Maria will accommodate 10 young people and their families in an environment which caters for the complex care needs,” Mr Shorten said.

“Each room will be modified to accommodate the needs of the individual and will have a living space and kitchenette allowing residents to feel at home in a comfortable environment, giving them more independence in their daily lives.

“The funding, provided through the National Disability Agreement, will be used to help build the ‘my future my choice’ residence for young people with disability, who are currently living in nursing homes.

“The Australian Government has long been calling for young people with disability living in residential aged care to receive more appropriate accommodation and this is a practical step towards achieving action on this issue.”

Victorian Community Services Minister Lisa Neville said she was proud that young Victorians with a disability will have access to a state-of-the-art purpose built facility.

“The Brumby Government acknowledges aged care facilities is not always appropriate accommodation for younger people with a disability and is taking action to provide a real choice in accommodation to best suit their needs,” Ms Neville said.

“This facility will provide young Victorians with a disability not only with a place to live, but a home; a home that provides appropriate supports with the independence a young person needs.

“We are committed to working with Victorian young people, their families and carers as well as agencies to provide accommodation that best meets their needs.”

‘My future my choice’ builds on the National Disability Agreement, which aims to assist people with disability to live as independently as possible through sustainable living arrangements, increasing their choices, and improving their health and wellbeing.

Mr Shorten said this development encompasses the aims of the National Disability Agreement and reaffirms the Rudd and Brumby Government’s commitment to supporting young people with disability in the community.

“The Rudd and Brumby Government’s are working with organisations, such as Villa Maria, to help improve the lives of people with disability, their families, carers and the community,” Mr Shorten said.

In addition to the Rudd and Brumby Government contributions, Villa Maria has contributed $3.8 million towards the development.