By JESSE GRAHAM
A DAY service for disabled children could be a reality in the Yarra Valley, with passionate locals campaigning for a provider and community space to care for vulnerable citizens.
Healesville Connections is the name of a steering group recently established to campaign for disability day services in the Healesville area.
Group member Kathy Cameron spearheaded the campaign, organising a meeting last month at Healesville’s Memo Hall to gauge community interest in establishing a campaign.
Ms Cameron told the Mail that community members, health group representatives and politicians all attended the meeting, and the positive result gave birth to Healesville Connections.
She said that, with the steady rise in population in Healesville, it would be fitting to get a disability day service running in the town.
“We want to get something happening in Healesville,” Ms Cameron said.
“I see it as a coming-of-age in our town, to finally accommodate our disabled residents.”
Ms Cameron said, since the meeting, groups had expressed their support for setting up a service, but that the campaign was still in its preliminary stages.
The steering committee met on Tuesday 17 June with Yarra Valley Community Health representatives, to discuss a way forward.
Healesville Connections member Di Gow said two consultation sessions would be organised for individuals with a disability, their families and community providers next month.
No date for the consultation sessions has been set.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/groups/healesvilleconnections, or call Kathy Cameron on 5962 3639.
