Welcome to Melba Community News June edition!
As 2025 unfolds, it’s clear that it’s another big year for the disability sector. Last month, the Albanese Government appointed Mark Butler as the first EVER Federal Minister for Disability alongside his role as Minister for Health and Aged Care. This appointment brings hope that there are positive changes coming.
As Minister for Health and Aged Care, Butler introduced significant aged care reform, and we should all be urging him to do the same for the disability sector – to implement the recommendations from both the Disability Royal Commission and the NDIS Reforms. We eagerly await his first move!
It’s Pride Month, a time to recognise the importance of visibility, equality, and celebrate diversity.
We stand beside the LGBTQIA+ community to celebrate progress and achievements while acknowledging the ongoing fight for rights, safety and equality. We will be sharing stories from our Rainbow Melba community across social media and our website throughout the month, starting with a great piece on the intersection of Pride and disability from Melissa Webster, our Chief Home, Living and Community Services Officer.
We also take this as an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring a safe, inclusive and affirming Melba for everyone and wish everyone a great Pride Month!
National Reconciliation Week wrapped up yesterday, like many others we took some time to reflect, connect, listen, and perhaps most importantly, learn.
We asked Tim White, Aboriginal Connections, Liaison & Awareness Officer with Melba, what he was thinking about as we approached National Reconciliation Week.
He wrote us a beautiful piece that opened with the simple fact that it’s a time for all of us to reflect on Australia, reflect on our history and ask ourselves, what can we do to continue to support each other.
What's the difference between SIL and SDA?
When it comes to navigating disability support services, there are lots of acronyms to wrap your head around. If you’ve ever looked into NDIS-funded housing options, there’s a good chance you’ve come across Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).
While SIL and SDA often come up together in conversations or search results for NDIS-funded housing, they’re not the same thing. So what’s the difference between SIL and SDA and how do they work together
Artists from Arthur Creative were captivated by the vibrant Frida Kahlo Exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery! Inspired by her powerful artworks and incredible story, the artists have returned to the studio, eager to channel their creativity into new projects.
Rosie celebrated her 39th in style! Her family created an amazing celebration with fantastic food and beautiful decorations that transformed the space. It was a memorable day filled with joy and laughter. Happy birthday, Rosie!
My dog Ace went to the vet to be desexed. Rechelle, Kellie, Caroline and the rest of the team at home really helped me out when my beloved Jack Russell dog Ace, had the operation and was healing afterwards. He wore a donut around his neck for two weeks so that he couldn’t lick his stitches as they were dissolvable. And now he is back to full health. Thank you to everyone”. Craig and Ace D
Where disability and LGBTQIA+ identities meet
Eating out just got more accessible
