By Ewen McRae
Joe Fenech has long dreamed of helping those with special needs in the Melton community, and he is a step closer to realising that goal.
Mr Fenech is the founder of The Amelia Generation, a not-for-profit organisation that will be a subsidiary of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, working with people with special needs who are 64 years and under in the Melton region.
Mr Fenech – who named the organisation after his late mother – said he wanted their approach to be integrated and holistic, while also being structured to each individual’s ability and needs.
“Equality and inclusion is very high on my values, and will be very high on the values of the organisation,” Mr Fenech said.
“Special needs is a very broad area, and people do need help which is what we are there for.
“In the west, according to the NDIS, there are 10,800 participants that are waiting for organisations like us to provide services. It could be as simple as going out for a coffee with someone, right up to more involved areas. It’s a very broad group of services.”
Mr Fenech said one project he was especially excited about was a SNAC n CHAT (Special Needs Activity Centre & Community Help & Training) project that will launch soon. He said the project will provide a venue for young people with special needs that they can visit to socialise and have fun.
