MOUNT ALEXANDER SHIRE ACCOMMODATION AND RESPITE GROUP (MASARG INC)

Projects

Project 1

To establish a purpose built Community/Respite house in Castlemaine to accommodate up to four people with a disability, accessible 7 days a week 24 hours a day, by December 2012.

It is envisaged the facility will:

  • Provide overnight and day respite for up to four clients everyday and be available to carers in the region.

  • Provide a venue, during the day, for groups who need a safe, comfortable place to meet: Clients from Windarring – CHAPD will utilise the house several days a week for training clients in independent living skills. Other health care and service provider groups have expressed keen interest in using the venue thus strengthening the long-term viability of the Respite/Community house.
  • The house will have a fully equipped meeting room, ideal for community groups.

  • MASARG Inc. is in partnership with Windarring – CHAPD who will manage the operation of the respite/community house facility.

Scope and features

MASARG is working to construct a purpose built facility to enable bed-based respite and community activities. The respite would be available for different groups within the Mt. Alexander Shire –

  • People with disabilities with high support needs (children and adults)
  • Ageing people with dementia
  • People suffering with mental health issues
  • The community house would be utilised for program activities by Castlemaine Health, Windarring Support service in Castlemaine and a range of other groups who have indicated interest.


Overnight Respite/Community House Use: During weeknights and weekends the house will be available for use for up to four respite clients with staff who stay with them overnight

Day Respite/Community House Use: It is anticipated that community groups will have use of the Respite House during the day. The safe environment will make it suitable for a variety of groups such as playgroups, disabled groups and dementia groups.

The proposed Respite/Community House will have a flexible "3 in 1" floor plan which will allow three groups to access the house at the same time during the day, separated by sliding doors. Each group will have a separate entrance, living area, kitchen/kitchenette, accessible bathroom, bedroom and protected garden.

There will also be a 'privacy area' at the back of the Respite Community House where a person and his/her own staff can stay. This area will have a bedroom, living area, accessible bathroom, kitchenette and private entrance garden.

Fundraising progress

Since the formation of the group in 2008, community fundraising activities and donations have raised significant contributions long with additional support and progress outlined below.
   

2009
  • Seed funding of $1000 received from Department of Human Services to assist with administrative costs.
  • MASARG Website launched to increase MASARG's profile.
  • Grant of $10,000 from Dept. Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) through Bendigo Health, Carer Support to cover the costs of a Project Worker.
  • Windarring pledged administrative support for the Project Officer

 2010
  • Formal partnership reached with Windarring to provide the service management for the facility. Windarring has been active in this area for many years and is well respected by clients and families.
  • Became an Incorporated Body.
  • Gained Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status.
  • Volunteers Grant from DPCD of $3,370 awarded.
  • Pledge by Castlemaine Lion's club $240,000 to purchase land
  • Pledge by Castlemaine Health $5,000
  • Pledge by the Department of Human Services - Fire system and servicing for the Respite/Community house- approximately $30,000
  • Local businesses supported Barry Trait's 2010 Finke Desert campaign raising $4,000.
  • In kind services- pledged by local Mount Alexander Shire
  • In kind services- pledged by local businessman for asphalting when required

2011
  • State Government funding through DHS $ 300,000 (April)
  • Sponsorship by the Maldon and District Community Bendigo Bank- $50.000 (May)
  • Tour de Vines fundraising event $1,871 (Oct)
  • 2.7ha serviced block of land generously gifted by local farming family for the Respite/Community House (Dec)

2012
  • $20,000 legacy from deceased estate of a local businessman.

Government grants, business support and philanthropic bequests will be crucial to MASARG's success. See how you can get involved here.

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Project 2

Establish flexible, independent and supported housing for six people with disabilities who choose or are unable to continue living at home, in Castlemaine, by December 2014.

The second stage will focus on developing self-funded, ongoing supported accommodation in close proximity to the Community/Respite house.