MEDIA RELEASE
Wednesday May 31, 2017
[Sydney, NSW] – Not for profit aged care and NDIS provider, Multicultural Aged Care (MAC) is delighted to announce the roll out of an innovative Horticulture project that will provide people living with intellectual disability the opportunity to explore, and enjoy the many health and social benefits of gardening.
The MAC Horticulture Project will link people with intellectual disability to their communities through partnerships with schools, business and support providers. By addressing the barriers to inclusion in practical ways, such as through gardening and horticulture, sustainable connections, social, educational and employment opportunities will be identified and supported.
Made possible by the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) Grants – National Readiness 2016-17, MAC will establish the Horticultural Project across 3 regions – Sydney, South East Sydney and South West Sydney. These areas have a high percentage of people from non-English speaking backgrounds, particularly concentrated in some LGAs such as Fairfield (50%), Cabramatta (63%), Liverpool (36%), Botany (36%) and Canterbury (45%) (based on 2011 Census data and LGA boundaries).
It is known that people from CALD backgrounds experience considerable difficulties in accessing support services, including disability support. At the end of June 2015, the number of CALD participants with NDIS Intensive Family Support was only 1,211 out of a total of 30,281 (Data Source: National Disability Insurance Agency Quarterly Report to COAG Disability Reform Council, 30 June 2014 to 31 March 2016).
With a focus on community inclusion, the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) Grants – National Readiness aim to provide people living with disability and their families with the skills, resources and confidence they need to participate in, and be a part of their communities. Over $14 million has been allocated to deliver ILC National Readiness activities across Australia.
CEO of Multicultural Aged Care Dr. Rosy Walia said, “As one of only 24 providers Nationwide to successfully secure funding under the category – Community Awareness and Capacity Building we are very proud. It was great to see our name listed among several large and recognizable Disability Services organisations including Councils and universities.
The horticultural project will deliver multiple, flexible opportunities for people with disability to be included in the life of their community in ways that are meaningful to them. We strongly believe that those with disabilities deserve every opportunity to participate in and benefit from the same community activities as everyone else, and we look forward to seeing first-hand how, with the right access and support, lives and communities are enriched.”
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For more information on the Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) Grants – National Readiness 2016-17 visit the website – https://www.ndis.gov.au/communities/ilc-home
Media contact: Dr Rosy Walia (02) 9718 6199