Hi and thanks for letting us drop by!
It’s been another busy month at Melba, as we’ve been getting out and about across Victoria, capturing amazing stories, photos and videos that highlight the many ways we support people with disability.
From Supported Independent Living to creative arts and even important conversations about intimacy and identity, we’ve been shining a light on the people we support, our dedicated support workers and other employees.
These powerful stories will be at the heart of our future campaigns. Watch this space!
If you’d like to see more images, click below and see them full screen.
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- Adrian
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- Kaitlyn & mum Lynne
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- Joel
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- Jamie & support worker Melinda
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- Don
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- Bill and brother Tim
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- Alison & support worker Skye
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- Scott
In other news, with the election looming, let’s hope the disability community is part of the conversation. In a recent episode of Q&A featuring Shadow Assistant Minister for the NDIS Hollie Hughes and Health Minister Mark Butler, the subject of disability was not even raised – an alarming oversight considering the critical role of the NDIS and broader health issues impacting the community.
Our Leisure & Rec team takes on Thailand!
A group from our Leisure & Recreation team recently embarked on an unforgettable adventure in Thailand, immersing themselves in culture, personal growth and pure enjoyment. This incredible journey not only introduced them to new experiences but also helped develop essential life skills that align with their NDIS goals.
In Bangkok, they explored iconic landmarks such as The Grand Palace and Wat Pho, cruised along the Chao Phraya River, and navigated the lively MBK shopping centre – practicing independence and social interaction along the way.
A visit to a reptile cafe added an extra element of excitement and sensory engagement! Then, in Phuket, they embraced island life with snorkelling at Phi Phi Island, relaxing at Karon Noi Beach and shopping in Old Phuket Town, gaining confidence and real-world skills in the process.
If you’re eager to explore new destinations, achieve your personal goals, and create lasting memories, Melba’s Leisure and Recreation Program is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. Our tailored, fee-for-service options ensure that everyone can take a well-deserved break from the everyday, with scalable levels of support designed to meet individual needs.
Let’s plan your next adventure together! Contact engagement@melbasupport.com.au
Meet Tristan
For Tristan, life has been defined by two profound journeys: coming to terms with his gender identity and adapting to life with quadriplegia. His story of resilience and self-discovery offers powerful insights for those navigating similar paths.
“As a kid, I always knew I was a little bit different, but I didn’t really have the words to describe what that was,” he says.
By the age of 10, Tristan had developed an understanding that would later crystalise into the recognition that he was transgender. “I had these thoughts up until I was 11, 12 years old,” he explains, “and then I had an accident, which left me a quadriplegic.”
The accident dramatically altered Tristan’s life trajectory. His exploration of gender identity temporarily took a backseat as he adjusted to his new reality as a person with quadriplegia.
However, as he’s grown and adapted, Tristan has found unexpected benefits in this intersection of identities.
Kayel caught up with Rose from The Misfit Project for a fun and spontaneous theatre and dance session at Lilydale! We have arts and drama classes starting on 23 April for people with disability. If you know someone who’d like to join in the fun we’d love to see them! Contact Meg Charlwood at meg.charlwood@melbasupport.com.au.
Liam, better known as Mr Rockdude, is living his dream as a performer, bringing joy to aged care residents across East Gippsland. Liam performs weekly at four different facilities, dressed in his signature gold rock ’n’ roll jacket, guitar in hand, and ready to belt out Elvis classics. Performing is more than just entertainment for Liam – it’s a tribute to his late mother, who always dreamed of seeing him on stage.
What’s the difference between ISA and SIL?
When it comes to disability support, you’ve probably heard the terms community participation and one to one support. At Melba, we call it Individualised Support Arrangements (ISA) and it’s tailored just for you because at Melba you lead, we support. Whatever you call it ISA is sometimes confused with Supported Independent Living (SIL). While both help you live more independently, they offer support in different ways. But what exactly do they mean and how do you know which one is right for you?
In a nutshell, ISA is a flexible and personalised support plan designed around your unique needs, goals and lifestyle. It gives you greater control over your support, allowing you to shape it in a way that works best for you. It is typically delivered as a one-to-one support.
SIL is designed for people who need regular, ongoing support with everyday tasks. This type of support is often provided in shared housing, but it can also be arranged in a private home if that’s what works best for you.
Choosing the right support can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone! At Melba, we can help you explore your options and find the best arrangement for your needs. Email engagement@melbasupport.com.au or call 1300 696 352.
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