Hi and thanks for letting us drop by!
It’s been a busy and exciting time at Melba, filled with connection, celebration and big moments for our community.
We dropped into two Special Developmental School gatherings (in Cranbourne and Croydon), joined the vibrant Bakhtar Casey Nawroz Festival, and rounded it all out at the big one – the Source Kids Disability Expo. It was a huge two-day event at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, packed with great workshops and presentations focused on disability support. Our stand was a hit, it was great to meet so many new people.
We’re thrilled to officially welcome Dr Sonia Sharp as the new Chair of Melba’s Board!
Sonia is no stranger to Melba – she’s been part of our journey for the past three years and brings incredible leadership experience from across education, disability, child and family services. Her passion for inclusion, human rights and empowering people shines through in everything she does. With Sonia at the helm, we’re excited for what’s ahead as we continue working towards a world where everyone’s voice is heard.
How Positive Behaviour Support helps
Imagine feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or scared, but not being able to explain why. Imagine needing support, but the only way to share this need is by engaging in behaviours of protest.
For some people this is a daily reality.
At Melba, nothing is a “one-size-fits-all” solution, and PBS is no different. It’s a trauma informed, evidence-based approach that is creative and flexible. Real and lasting change is only possible when people are seen, heard and strategies are tailored to the individual.
Unleashing artistry in Lilydale
Melba has expanded its creative horizons with the launch of a new arts program in Lilydale, offering classes in theatre and visual arts for people with disability. The program encourages self-expression, community participation and explores new ways for people with disability to be seen and heard. And it’s only just the beginning – we have big plans to expand into new areas.
For the past month, Jem has been carefully constructing his cardboard masterpiece – the Cardboard 5000 Project. What started as something simple to store things in has grown into something so big we have just one question: where are you going to store it, Jem?
Hannah has just returned from her Gold Coast theme park odyssey, where she visited Movie World and Dreamworld, but the highlight was making friends at Seaworld!
Not everyone gets to meet an Olympic great, but Luke got lucky, spotting long-distance runner Steve Moneghetti while out at Lake Wendouree.
Welcome to Country ceremonies have been in the news recently so we asked Aboriginal Connections, Liaison & Awareness Officer Tim White, who is a proud Wiradjuri man, to explain the significance of Welcome to Country and why it’s different to Acknowledgement of Country.
The City of Casey has voted unanimously to implement its proposed Disability Inclusion Action Plan, designed to foster an inclusive community. Melba CEO Hayley Dean said she welcomed the move: “This plan is a significant step forward – not just in policy, but in real action to break down barriers.”
