Luke Eaton has nowhere to go if Melton’s Melbacc House closes – and his family is demanding answers.
The house, which offers respite for people aged 18 to 65 who are experiencing an intellectual, physical or sensory disability or an acquired brain injury, will close in February.
Melton council has resolved to “cease to be a provider of the service” and to sell the property.
The decision followed reports that the number of people attending the house had decreased by 45 per cent in the past five years, while 28 per cent of clients were from outside the city.
Mr Eaton’s mother, Diane Eaton, said the decision to close the house was made without any consultation.
She says it’s ironic that: “Melton council says [Melbacc] is only for local use but they [now] want us to go outside of the shire to get services”.
“The centre is always full and they’ve never asked us to increase our hours, so how can [the council] turn around and say usage is low?”
Luke, 30, who has cerebral palsy, has been a frequent user of Melbacc’s respite services since he was 14. The closure of the centre will set the family back emotionally and financially, Ms Eaton said.
“[Melbacc] is his friendship base. He enjoys going there because he knows he’s going to be OK and he’s going to be safe.”
The house was built more than 20 years ago. In 2005, the service was extended to introduce camps and aged care.
Community care and inclusion manager Coral Crameri said the council was working with the Department of Human Services and families to “explore alternative respite options”.
“Council in determining this decision was very conscious of individual family needs and will be working closely with families who require support and will assist families who may wish to explore alternative respite options,” Ms Crameri said.
The council is seeking expressions of interest for the Melbacc property.
