In this issue: Chairman and Secretary’s Report

We hope all our members and supporters are surviving the cold winter and are looking forward to the Spring.

CLA is eagerly waiting to see if the change in Ministers at Federal level and State level will address the housing crisis especially for those older people with severe/profound intellectual disability still living in the family home with ageing carers. We feel this needs to be a bipartisan issue and parliament needs to implement an urgent action plan. CLA have meetings lined up with local MP’s and with Ministers executive staff. Governments must act now as time is running out for older parents/carers.

The Murray Anderson Place housing project in Rosebud This project land and building is fully owned by the Uniting Church Property Trust Vic/Tas.

This recently completed supported accommodation housing project of four SDA apartments for 8 people with a disability recently held a site inspection. Two apartments had been fitted out with furniture and fittings and all families who inspected the site were impressed with the final outcome. The building is now in the NDIA SDA compliance stage. Once signed off the Property Trust of the Uniting Church Vic/Tas will announce the Housing Provider and SIL provider and the final residents can then be nominated. All CLA people who put in an expression of Interest to be considered for a place, have submitted their applications for SDA housing to the SDA team for assessment.

► Chairman and Secretary’s Report

► Every Australian Counts

► Russell Joseph - CLA Patron

► Functions & Events ► Fundraising ► Upcoming Events ► Carer Report ► New Faces ► Membership Report ► Marketing & Website Report

► Membership form

ABN: 41 147 202 800www.cla-ltd.orgCommunityLifestyleAccommodationLtd

Living with choiceFor people with disabilities

Community Lifestyle Accommodation Ltd

NEWSLETTER August 2019

ChoiceLifestyle

Community Partnerships

CLA Board. Fltr: Elizabeth Bourke, Marie Hell, Kevin Turner,Yvonne Alaimo, Pauline Musgrave, Russell Joseph.

ABN: 41 147 202 800www.cla-ltd.orgCommunityLifestyleAccommodationLtd

Local Developer ProjectsWe have received advice that the Foam Street property which is an SDA compliant house for 3 people. There are also several other projects in the Rosebud area by the same developer in the planning stage.

Chairman and Secretary’s Report - continued

CLA Advocacy for Ageing Carers It seems to CLA that older adults with an intellectual disability who are still living in the family home since birth are the forgotten people and not on anyone's radar. The Federal Government is responsible for implementing the NDIS as per the current guidelines established by COAG but they are not addressing the serious situation facing ageing carers, as when they die their adult children will be homeless. They will lose their parent/parents and home in one go. Where will they be placed? We are waiting on a meeting date in Canberra with relevant Federal Ministers to take up this serious issue on behalf of those who should qualify for SDA housing.CLA wrote to the new State Minister for Disability, Ageing & Carers The Hon Luke Donnellan MP

seeking the Ministers support to address the critical lack of housing options for older people with severe/profound intellectual disability still living at home with ageing carers who will not receive a NDIS housing allocation. The Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) allocation is falling short of assisting many NDIS customers and many parents do not have the money to subsidize their person to buy a home. The State Government is supposed to find accommodation for 94% of NDIS customers. CLA has been granted a meeting with Minister Donnellan’s Senior Adviser for Disabilities, Jonathan Schomburgk. We are also seeking additional funding from the State Government to employ our Carer Information Support Advocate full-time to cover the recent demand from participants & families for our

EVERY AUSTRALIAN COUNTS team took their message to the new MP Stuart Roberts.

1000 people sent in comments on issues with the NDIS which were put into a book and delivered to the new Minister.

The Prime Minister and the new Minister for the NDIS have repeatedly said that fixing the NDIS is a top priority. Let's hope they keep their word.

The team also had a chance to tell the Minister about all the issues that come up at Make it

Work forums across the country – and what could be done to solve them.

There’s no question the Minister now has hundreds of fantastic, practical ideas about what he needs to do as he kicks off his new job.

Minister Robert also promised that the government was developing a 12 month timetable to resolve many of the issues the group raised, including giving the NDIA more resources to get the job done.

It was a great first meeting - but we need to keep up the pressure to makes sure the Minister, the NDIA and the government follows through with real fixes that make a difference for participants.

We’ve got some ideas about how to do that, so keep a look out in the days and weeks head.

In the meantime, you can read about the visit and the Minister’s reaction on the Every Australian Counts website.

Kirsten and the Every Australian Counts team.

The Hon Stuart Robert MP -Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme

Chairman and Secretary’s Report - continued

personalized services. Satisfied NDIS customers are passing on our details and new participants are seeking our help, plus individuals who have NDIS plans are seeking help from us to do a plan review to meet their reasonable and necessary needs.

CLA is finding several older carers who do not have access to a computer or the skills to use a computer, still do not understand the complex NDIS rules or process to access and implement their person’s package. They are unsure how to deal with the NDIS planners & service sector on an ongoing basis. Some providers are not explaining properly how they are able to provide support to the participant to enable the individual to meet their NDIS goals. What is very concerning as some services are not explaining anything to the families until the family starts to ask questions. They are then told “sorry there is not enough money left in your person’s plan to undertake the activity you are requesting”. CLA feels strongly there is a need for an independent carer support worker’s role to be ongoing into the future to offer support to local families.

We recently had a successful meeting with The Hon Chris Brayne MP the State member for Nepean to bring him up to speed on the work we do in our community for caring families. His office manager Joshure Sinclair took notes, both have offered their support. They will follow up on a few queries with Minister Donnellan’s office personal and get back to CLA.

CLA will also be seeking a meeting with the State Minister for Housing The Hon Richard Wynne for assistance to find solutions to build suitable supported housing options on the Peninsula for our cohort of people.

CLA has also approached Carers Victoria for assistance with highlighting the ageing carers situation to the Ministers and we have requested their help with accessing funding support from Governments. We are hoping for a favourable reply.

Chairman Kevin Turner &Secretary Marie Hell

Since our last newsletter a number of local identities have started to coalesce around an entity we wish to create known as Peninsula Community Housing.

The sole purpose of this group will be to fund, build and manage housing to meet the desperate social, affordable and disability needs of our community.

As many of you know, I have been working on the first step, the funding, over a number of years and in recent months pursuing a number of private funding options which appear to be quite hopeful.Still, at the time of writing we are still without a funder from either government or the private sector to build the housing we so desperately need. Nonetheless, we shall push on regardless as I am convinced there is a solution not too far away.

Additionally, as patron of CLA, and subsequent to a phone conversation with Senator Arthur Sinodinos and instigated by CLA member Brian Jones, I have visited the NDIA head office in Geelong and met with senior advisors in relation

to a new SDA panel set up to specifically address the needs of our members who are struggling to access housing support. Early days yet but it is clear the NDIA and the government have heard our voices, understood our people are being overlooked and are now responding accordingly. If anyone has submitted their application to the NDIA and has not heard anything for months then please by all means let me know.

Also, further to a terrific family day (and some average dancing) at the Presentation Sisters respite facility in Balnarring I will be meeting the CEO of Carers Vic over coming weeks to see how we can be better supported by this organisation and to compliment the fantastic work we already do on our shoestring budget. Hopefully we can update further at the general meeting in a couple of weeks.

Till next time,Russell JosephPatron CLA

ABN: 41 147 202 800www.cla-ltd.orgCommunityLifestyleAccommodationLtd

Functions & Events

Carers and the Carer GatewayIn June we had a presentation by Carers Victoria at Mornington about The Carer Gateway - The New Federal Initiative for carers to access support in areas such as their health and well-being, skill courses, employment options, phone counselling, peer support networks and general support.

Carers Victoria were the presenters who were the successful tenderers for the Victorian contact point. As the site is still being developed there were questions which could not be answered on the day. These questions were listed by Carers Vic to supply answers after the conference. The answers have now been distributed to all attendees. We are waiting on finding out who the local organisations will be to provide the local support to Carers.

The full rollout of the scheme should be by November 2019. As with any scheme there are sure to be issue. CLA is concerned that due to this scheme being an online service some older carers will have trouble accessing vital support. We have always suggested to Governments that a Regional Carer network to support carers would be the answer - Local Support - Local Solutions. CLA is a grassroots carer group, we know our area and our carers needs. What holds us back from providing a complete service is the lack of money for grass roots organisations like CLA.

For more information go to the Carer Gateway website or call 1800 422 737 from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Victorian Carer Strategy Review 2018-22 Forum 17 July for Carers and the Service Sector. Hosted by DHHSThe Hon Luke Donnellan, Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers opened the forum and Anthony Carbines MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Carers and Volunteers chaired the forum. Tandem and Little Dreams delivered presentations providing updates on the implementation of projects being undertaken to support the strategy.

The young speaker that spoke for Little Dreamers was inspirational and full of enthusiasm to encourage young carers to explore study and work options. They can access information on support that is available through Carers Victoria. CLA attended the forum and contributed to the discussions that were held after the presentations.

Basically the day was a review of what was working with the policy and what was not. The main complaint with what was not working was the continuity of funding. What currently happens is funding is made available for pilot projects for the financial year. The project proves successful however no further funding is available for successive years and the project collapses. For volunteer groups like CLA is very difficult to be full time carers as well as fundraisers.

The good thing from the day is all the audience were there to make a real input into making the strategy work.

March GM & Info sessionWe had an information session in March at which representatives from Hill Legal gave presentations to our families on issues which need to be addressed prior to the move from the family home into supported accommodation. This included discussions on topics such as medical and financial Powers of Attorney, residential and tenancy agreement, residential statements, and wills. Options were discussed if family cannot take over when the parents dies. Lawyers at Hill Legal are there to assist families and have kept up to date with the changes happening in the disability sector. The information session was well attended. Further information for families to be aware of before their person moves into accommodation will be sent to families shortly.

Carers Family Day - Chasing the Blues Away Concert This family event was held at the Presentation Family Centre in Balnarring. The event was hosted by the fabulous entertainer Steve McPartlane from Music Access Australia. Carers, their sons and daughters, support staff and supporters had a great time due to the fun atmosphere, delicious food (especially the array of cakes and donuts).

Greg Flynn Policy Advisor, Disability and Housing from Carers Victoria was in attendance and during discussions listed several issues CLA had concerns about. Greg promised to consult with his managers at Carers Victoria and get back to CLA. Russell Joseph one of our patrons spoke at the beginning of the event and also took to the dance floor. Music selection had something for all the guests, Limbo, Congo line and ending with we are the champions (Best event ever). The day was a roaring success and appreciated by all who attended.

Fundraising

Upcoming Events

Bunnings Sausage SizzlesFriday 6 Sep & 1 Nov'19- MorningtonCan you spare an hour or two to help?Please contact Lynne on 03 5981 8118.

General Meeting AugustThursday 22 August, 10am for 10.30am startVenue: Mornington Community Information & Support Centre, 320 Main St, MorningtonGuest SPEAKER: Russell Joseph (patron CLA), co-founder of (Peninsula Community Housing) - Housing Options being developed on the Peninsula for adults with a disability.

Presentation Family Centre:122 Balnarring Beach Rd, Balnarring - walking distance to the beach.They have a total of 6 respite cottages, for carers and the public, they can be hired all together for a total of $1,300 per night, or individually for between $110 - $220 depending on the season and which of the houses one may want. An individual house can be used for a small family gathering or a group of friends gathering, each is well equipped with showers/bathrooms and kitchens. They also have a large activity room (hall) that can be hired for $100 for one day (8 hours) to be used for example for a family birthday party etc..

You can see more on their website here: presentationfamilycentre.org.au, or Contact the manager Lisa Gray on (03) 5983 1819 for more details.

Volunteer Opportunity: CLA looking for Fundraiser Co-OrdinatorJob description: Community Lifestyle Accommodation Ltd (CLA) is a grassroots, not for profit company, that responds to the needs of carers, and people with a disability and we are looking for an enthusiastic and driven volunteer who can assist us with organising fundraising events to fund support & advocacy to carers and address the critical lack of suitable accommodation for people with an intellectual disability.More info and contact details on our website under Get Involved/ Volunteering.

ABN: 41 147 202 800www.cla-ltd.orgCommunityLifestyleAccommodationLtd

CLA Carer Information and Support Advocate Report

Hi Everyone,it’s been a very busy 8 months since I started with CLA, with many pre plans to help families access the NDIS. I have also been assisting families with moving onto their second plan.

Our Aim for the future is to provide: ► Intensive individual support to the participant and their family ► Assistance with NDIS pre planning and plan reviews ► Links to services in local area ► Links to housing providers ► Peer support / advocacy ► Socials and friendships

I feel very privileged to be able to assist participants and families with their NDIS plans, and any other supports they need. And to have met so many amazing families, laughs, hugs and tears but feeling like I have helped in some way to support you through the maze of NDIS and the life of families with disabilities.

We are still receiving fantastic feedback from the pre plans I have been doing, one Local area coordinator from Brotherhood of Saint Laurence calling it gold, and the plans being extremely helpful for them to work from, also supporting the participant and family at the planning meeting with NDIS.

Feedback from service providers and families and participants has been amazing and then passing my details onto families. Being contacted through word-of-mouth which is great knowing we are assisting families that need support.

We have been holding carers luncheons each month or so, which have been an invaluable place to chat and assist families with any information they need, also getting carers together to remember they need to look after themselves which is so important.

CLA recently did a concert for participants and families, which was fantastic, everyone had a great time lots of laughs and fun had by all. We hope to have many more to celebrate our children/ adults and support our carers.

If there is a topic/speaker you would like to hear more about, please let the Secretary know (mob: 0423 356 878).

The information you share with CLA is so important to keep this position on going so we can provide continued support to families, now and into the future.

If you would like any assistance with NDIS pre-planning or support at your planning meeting with NDIS. If you would like to share your NDIS transition experience and any opportunities for improvement or require any other assistance at all, please don’t hesitate to call me on the details below;

Mobile: 0417 840 980Email:carer@communitylifestyleaccommodation.org.auBy post: P.O. Box 66 Bittern, Vic, 3918

Stay well, Yvonne Alaimo Carer information Support Advocate

Becoming a member is only $20 a year.Feel free to pass on the Membership form at theback of this Newsletter to Carers you know.

CLA Carer Social in July

CLA Carer Social in June

New Faces

Membership Report

Marketing & Website Report

Becoming a member is only $20 a year.Feel free to pass on the Membership form at theback of this Newsletter to Carers you know.

We were in the paper twice since last newsletter!Look up full article on MP News website mpnews.com.au:'Home shows support is possible' (July 8, 2019) and 'Carers in crisis over dependent children' (April 9, 2019)

NEW! Online payment via CLA websiteThrough the hard work of Alex Evans, our webmaster, it is now possible to pay for memberships and donate via the CLA website under CLA-Support.

Give it a try now! Feel free to forward to friends, family and fellow Carers.

Over the last quarter we have welcomed the following people to our Board. Graham Musgrave joined as risk management representative and Pam Davidson as treasurer.

We now have two patrons. Judy Barrett and Russell Joseph are now both our patrons and avid supporters.

However we still urgently need people to undertake applying for grants and to organise our fundraising. To be able to continue our valuable work we need financial support as it is now Government policy that organisations must be self- sustaining and not rely solely upon Government funding.

To all our members who made donations when renewing their membership and our new members who has recently joined we thank them for their support. We are growing from a humble

beginning, a small group of dedicated carers into a strong group of carers and supporters who are determined to improving the lives of individuals with a disability & their parents/carers & guardians.

If we deal with our struggle in a positive way, help will come, Hope, Faith and the courage to speak up for our families. CLA will continue to lobby for planned suitable housing options to be available for all adults with a significant disability before their ageing parents die and adequate support for all /carers to sustain them in their daily caring role, so they too can have an improved lifestyle in their community.

Sincere thanks to everyone for your support.

Kevin Turner - Chair Marie Hell - Secretary

A warm welcome to all our new caring families and supporters who have recently joined our group. Grass roots carer groups like CLA are very important to regional areas. We know what is needed to assist our families and we can respond before the family reaches crisis point.

Building our membership is important as there is strength in numbers especially when our secretary and chair go to ministers and local MP’s to speak on the urgent need for housing options for older people with an intellectual disability still living in the family home and local respite /support for all carers.

I encourage our members to bring a friend to any event we hold and please pass on our details to any family who may be new to the area or may need assistance with the NDIS. Peer support/friendship is important, especially if you are new in the area or have never been involved in a carer group. I was given CLA (Marie’s) details to ring when I shifted to the Peninsula. Best thing I did, now I am in a position to help my son, myself and other caring families.

Together we can make a difference. New members are welcome.Linh Le, Membership

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Living with choice

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