Whittlesea’s first respite facility for adults with disabilities will be built in South Morang.
Last week, the state government announced that it had chosen a site in South Morang for the $2.5 million centre, which will offer six respite beds.
It is yet to reveal the location of the site.
The announcement follows a government decision last August to build an adult respite facility in Whittlesea, after five years of campaigning by the council and Respite Alliance Whittlesea.
The centre will be the city’s third respite facility.
Mayor Ricky Kirkham said the centre would be managed by Karingal Disability Services.
“We know there are long wait lists for existing respite facilities and this will mean more people in our community will be able to receive the respite support they need,” he said.
According to the 2011 census, there are 13,606 carers living in Whittlesea.
During a visit to Whittlesea last August to announce the centre, Housing, Disability and Ageing Minister Martin Foley said an adult facility was needed to address growing demand.
“Families that need respite should be able to access services when they need it,” he said.
Work will begin in the coming weeks and should be completed by mid-2018.
