BackFriday, 21 July 2017
Parliamentary party representative visits city following rollout of national disability scheme
Jocelyn Nickels | Border Watch
SOUTH Australian Parliament Dignity Party representative Kelly Vincent made a special visit to the South East this week following the recent rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Eager to hear the community’s concerns and views on the scheme Ms Vincent spent time with City Council, Pangula Mannamurna, residents and staff at the Ryder Chesire Home for people with disabilities and the general public.
“We know that regions have a lot of particular challenges because of their geographical isolation and especially with the rollout of the NDIS, getting service providers into the region is a significant challenge,” she said.
“I wanted to make sure I was aware of how things were rolling out in the region so I could do anything to assist with employment and better service provision for people with disabilities.” Ms Vincent said she received many questions on how the funding model works, what services are going to be available and how to overcome geographical challenges.
“There are some significant challenges but a lot to benefit from as well,” she said. “For people with disabilities we will actually be getting adequate services, possibly for the first time in our lives.
“We will also be getting the independence and economic power that come with the services in terms of regular employment opportunities and greater spending power – this is really fantastic.
“But we’ve also got to make sure there are enough services available on the ground to actually fill the need.” Visiting the Ryder Chesire Home, Ms Vincent heard the organisation’s plans to build a second house where a further five residents could live.
A total of five residents currently live at the premises in Mount Gambier however, Ryder Chesire board member Neville Gilbertson said there is a need for further housing in the city. “We have sent an application to the Federal Building Better Regions Fund and hope to obtain a grant to build the second home,” he said.
“If we get the grant it would happen within 12 months. “We don’t think there will be a problem filling the second home there is an active group of parents who has expressed its interest.”
Ms Vincent said she agrees there is a great need for more housing choices, particularly in regional areas. “Even in Adelaide there is a shortage of flexible housing options that meet peoples needs,” she said. “People need to live with who they want and where they can live the lifestyle of their choice. “Anything that can provide that to people is welcome.”
