It was only recently that one of Gilmore’s long standing and successful employers of people with disability, Yumaro, showcased its upgrades in Moruya. Yumaro continues to show its support for people with disability and is moving forward with its plans to provide disability accommodation, with the first sod turned on the $2.3 million co-funded independent living units. Under the Specialist Disability Accommodation Initiative (SDAI) Yumaro had been awarded $816,784 said the Federal Member for Gilmore Ann Sudmalis, which is designed to top up funding to increase availability of accommodation for people with disability.
Above: The first sod being turned at Yumaro’s independent living units
“I commend Yumaro on their achievements to date, they are engaging those who have special needs, and they help those become valued and contributing members of society,” she said. Mark Brantingham, CEO of Yumaro said of the sod turning; "Yumaro are very excited about our Independent Living Complex. The facility is a major element of Yumaro’s new Home and Community Support Service which we are offering under the NDIS." "There are many people with a disability in our community who are living at home with aging parents. These individuals are at risk of having no where appropriate to live should their parents become unable to care for them. We embarked on developing this housing complex in response to overwhelming demand from local families, it will offer a unique mix of both independent and community living right in the heart of Moruya." "The complex will offer peace of mind to families and a wonderful opportunity for a more independent life for the individual with a disability." Mr Brantigham added Upon completion, the facility will support the Eurobodalla Shire Council’s disability action plan which aims at providing appropriate housing for people with a disability. The design includes housing for ten to twelve people with a disability across six independent living units and one respite home. The Hon Jane Prentice, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services, said increasing the availability of disability accommodation was essential to supporting the independence of people with disability. “I am pleased SDIA has awarded this funding to Yumaro so they can continue their exceptional support for people with disability in the Gilmore region,” Mrs Prentice said. Yumaro is a provider of employment for people with a disability in the Eurobodalla and Shoalhaven regions. Further details can be found at http://www.yumaro.com.au
