News

The Moorabool Appeal
Thu, Aug 2 2007

Fact Sheet

Moorabool Respite Facility – Bacchus Marsh

• The EW Tipping Foundation is building a new respite home for people with disabilities in Bacchus Marsh.

• The facility is desperately needed. At the moment, Bacchus Marsh families are forced to travel to respite facilities in Ballarat or Melbourne. Respite is crucial for families to be able to take a break from long-term care.

• The facility will include 6 bedrooms (two with hoist facilities), including one for staff, two separate living areas, two bathrooms with disability access. It will be available for overnight, weekend and longer term stays, with separate weekends for adults and for children.

• We currently work with about 35 families in the Moorabool Shire providing in home respite and recreational opportunities. When the house is built, funding reverts to providing respite in the new facility. We envisage there will be many more families in the region who will want to use the respite facility.

• We are employing nine local people including Bacchus Marsh team leader, Andrea Jacka.

• Work has already commenced on the facility. It will cost close to $1 million and is due to be completed in early 2008.

• The Foundation is still trying to raise a funding shortfall of $90,000 through community support and donations.

• The project has had strong support from the Bacchus Marsh community, including Merrimu Services, with many donations both in cash and in goods and services. The project is being assisted by a family and community-based group, the Bacchus Marsh Focus Group.

• Anyone wanting to support the project can make a donation at the ANZ Bank in Bacchus Marsh or a direct payment into account number 013 511 2597561 73.