Ten years ago, the Castlemaine community generously supported Mount Alexander Accommodation and Respite Group (MASARG), to construct a purpose-built respite facility for people with intellectual and development disabilities in the 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. MASARG has continued as landlord of the property.
The gardens have grown beautifully, and the ongoing maintenance has ensured Melissa Court is welcoming and fit for purpose. Staff continually comment on how well the house is equipped to enable support of participants with high needs.
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 have since joined the My Home Network to collaborate with other community organisations seeking housing solutions for our community.
Most members of the MASARG Committee of Management have been on the journey to establish respite and long-term housing since 2013 and guess what, some are ready to pass the baton to younger parents or interested community members.
The MASARG committee 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.
There is still much work to do both now and into the future. 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 and if you were not around in the early days to view the house, please do come and take a look.
In the meantime, please 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.
For those interested in arranging a short-term stay at the house for a family member contact AMICUS on 03 5441 2666 to discuss availability and cost.
