Carers & Victorian Budget

With the release recently of State and Federal Budgets, and the uncertain economic forecasts, it's important to understand what support the Victorian Government will provide.

Angela in the BIG Apple

Young Benalla women Anj Barker, has been invited to New York, U.S.A. by the International Women's Health Coalition.

Anj is one of 15 women to be selected to speak at the forum at the United Nations general assembly next month.

Anj suffered horrendous injuries and is now confined to a wheel chair due to brain damage suffered at the hands of ex-boy friend in 2002.

The assembly will facilitate a discussion and advocacy training on sexual and reproductive rights and health, as well as how international agencies and agreements have an impact on countries, communities and young peoples lives.

Autism State Plan

The Victorian Government and Autism Victoria have announced a forum, in particular, to form an Autism State Plan.

This plan was an election policy by the Government announced in 2006. The plan is to develop an Autism State Plan in partnership with Autism Victoria, to build new and better approaches across government for meeting the growing and complex needs of people with autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders.

A broad consultation process will occur in October - November 2007 with a follow up in June - July 2008. They expect to have a draft plan ready for government consideration towards the end of 2008.

VICTORIA’S BIGGEST INVESTMENT IN DISABILITY SERVICES

Victorians with a disability will benefit from the single biggest investment in Victoria’s history in disability services in the landmark $233.4 million package, announced yesterday in the 2008-09 State Budget.

This is in addition to the $19.9 million ($80.4 million over four years) which commences in 2008-09 as part of the election commitment.

World Scud Sailing Titles

Press Release

Narooma NSW

Ex Rushworth Resident Ame Barnbrook recently finished 4^th (on a count back) at the World Skud Titles in Singapore. The Sk UD 18 (Skiff of Universal Design 18ft) is a new 2 person discipline in the Paralympic Sailing fleet. Ame travelled to the World Titles with a new crew (Lindsay Mason from Sydney). 

Introtech Consultants - LOW COST COMPUTERS

Introtech Consultants is a community-based organisation in Bendigo that seeks to benefit members of the community designated as low-income earners, by making affordable computers available to them.

Disability Aids & Equipment $30.2 Million Boost

Premier Steve Bracks announced $30.2 million  for Aids and Equipment to support people with a disability and their families.  $20.3 million will be allocated in 2007-08 to be dispensed over Four years for Aids, Equipment and Modifications to homes to accommodate people with disabilities.  $9.5 million will be spent in 2006-07 to reduce waiting lists for Aids and Equipment, in particular children.

Working with Children Check

As of 1 July 2007 the Victorian Government will introduce a mandatory background check on all people working with children. This will include Volunteers and Employed people and will be phased in gradually over the next five years. In relation to Attendant Carers, checks will need to be submitted from 1 July 2007 until the 30 June 2008.

Rick's Pick takes the Trick

Need lessons in the art of strumming? No says Rick Steward, the winner of the 2007 Kool Skools best instrumental catagory for guitar.

Gold'n'Birthday for Jared

Congratulations Jared on bringing home Gold from the State bowling championships in Ballarat. What better way to celebrate your 20th birthday.

Driveway Assistance

The VACC is offering Driveway Assistance  at member locations across Victoria. The service is available to people who are not able to fill their car themselves due to living with a disability or for medical reasons.

Carer Adjustment Payment

The Carer Adjustment Payment is a one-off, non-taxable payment to assist families to adjust following a catastrophic event where a child aged 0-6 years is diagnosed with a severe illness, medical condition or a major disability.

$3.75 Million Ambulance Fleet Boost

Regional Victoria is about to have it's Ambulance fleet increased by 25, Premier John Brumby announced at Morwell recently.

Grant for Spinal Cord Injury Research

A Winston Churchill Trust will enable Austin Health's Director of Rehabilitation Sciences Professor Mary Galea a "Travelling Fellowship" to investigate active rehabilitation programs for people living with spinal cord injuries.

Jared Bowls 'em Over

There maybe 10 against 1, but they don't stand a chance. We are proud to introduce Jared Younger, Ten Pin Bowler and World Special Olympics contender.

Medicare Rebate - Comprehensive Health Assessment

The Department of Human Services has just informed Country Care that a special comprehensive health assessment is available to people with intellectual disabilities, allowing G.P's to recieve an increased rebate from Medicare to cover the costs.

Aquired Brain Injury Increased Support

Move over Bracks, the Brumby Government has started a campaign to assist young people recovering from severe brain injuries as a result of accident and other causes.

Nurse-on-Call Success

Health Minister Bronwyn Pike reports that Nurse-on-Call in the Hume and High Country is a hit with Families as more than 10,700 calls were made to the Nurse-on-Call hot line.The service was used for people seeking information and advice on medical conditions ranging from vomiting and fever, abdominal pain and discomfort, diarrhoea to nausea and chest pains.The latest figures show

Disability Assistance Package

On 28 June 2007, the Prime Minister, Hon John Howard MP, announced details of the Disability Assistance Package delivering $1.8 billion in new funding over the next 5 years.

COMMONWEALTH SHOULD FUND DISABILITY SERVICES