By JESSE GRAHAM
LILYDALE’S Melba Support Services was able to showcase its works to Victorian Governor Linda Dessau during a tour of the organisation on Thursday 30 June.
Governor Dessau visited Melba on Thursday morning for a morning tea event, with staff and clients presenting the work of the organisation in the community in a tour.
CEO Glenn Foard said that representatives of Melba’s self-advocacy group ARROW (Advocacy, Rights, Representation, Outcomes and Worth) were able to meet Governor Dessau and speak about their work promoting rights for people with disabilities.
He said Governor Dessau also saw the work of Yarra Ranges in a Box, a social enterprise involving people with disabilities packaging and delivering fresh produce for families and schools.
Yarra Ranges in a Box, Mr Foard said, delivered more than 750 boxes of fruit and vegetables in 2015.
“I think it’s fair to say we wanted to profile all the different things we do as an organisation – all the different services that we provide, and to talk about our mission, to support people to lead everyday lives,” Mr Foard said.
“It was basically an opportunity to, in a sense, showcase the work that we do and, importantly, give people we support the opportunity to talk one-on-one with the Governor.
“They were really, really pleased that the Governor took the time to come and visit, and showed the amount of interest she did.”
Mr Foard said dignitaries, including Evelyn MP Christine Fyffe, Yarra Ranges mayor Jason Callanan, Parliamentary Secretary for Treasury and Finance Daniel Mulino and Melba’s life-governors, attended the morning tea.
Governor Dessau said it was a “pleasure” to visit the organisation at the event.
“I know your mission is people leading an everyday life, but listening today, I see that people here lead great lives,” she said.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to be here today and see Melba’s work.”
