Melton families are rejoicing after a long battle to save the Melbacc respite centre, which was due to close this month.
Health Minister Martin Foley, backed by Melton MP Don Nardella, announced last Thursday that the state government was negotiating with Melton council on a lease agreement for the building.
The Department of Human Services will run the centre in the meantime while the state government finds a new service provider. A spokesman for Mr Foley said it might be a couple of weeks before the department takes up the reins.
Luke Eaton, 30, has been a frequent user of Melbacc’s respite services for the past 16 years. His mum, Diane, said the family was “extremely elated, excited and relieved” the government had stepped in to save the centre.
“There’s somewhere for him to go to socialise, have a little bit of independence … a quiet time, have his own identity and a place for him to get away from his family,” Ms Eaton said.
“He gets to do what he wants to, and it’s his time.”
Ms Eaton said the “rescue” news came as a “pleasant surprise” and was very timely as most Melbacc users could not get respite services elsewhere.
“It may not mean much to someone who isn’t affected by a disability, but it means a huge, huge, huge deal for people in our situation.”
The Eatons, who celebrated the good news with their friends and family at the weekend, had pleaded with the council not to cut back on aged and disability services. “We don’t want to lose any more. If we keep losing, it means we’re taking a step backwards,” Ms Eaton said.
Mr Nardella said he had “fought hard” to save the centre, and he welcomed the government’s decision.
“Elderly carers who have given their lives to looking after family members with disabilities deserve all our support.”
A 525-signature petition to save the Melbacc facility was presented to the council in December.
