Open letter to Melina Bath MP and Martin Cameron MP – Gippsland 

Dear Ms Bath and Mr Cameron,

I am writing in response to the sudden closure of Daily Living Disability Services in Traralgon and the impact this has had on people, families and workers across the Latrobe Valley.

Like you, we are deeply concerned about the distress this situation has caused. When a disability service closes without warning, it is people with disability, their families and the workforce who feel the consequences most sharply. Continuity of support is not a policy issue in these moments – it is about safety, dignity and the significant impact on people’s day to day lives.

Melba Support Services has worked in regional Victoria for many years, including Gippsland, and we know how distressing and disruptive service withdrawal can be, particularly in communities where options are limited and relationships are long standing. Transitions need to be handled carefully, with clear information, practical help and coordinated action across providers and governments.

We support calls for an immediate and practical response that focuses on three priorities:

Continuity of support for participants, with minimal disruption and clear pathways to alternative providers where needed.

Direct, respectful communication with families and carers, so they are not left to navigate uncertainty on their own.

Support for skilled workers, many of whom are deeply connected to the people they support and now face sudden loss of income and stability.

In the meantime, Melba is available to support people affected in any way – from urgent assistance to simply having a conversation about options. We have a local team on hand who can take phone calls, listen, and help people understand what support may be available to them during this period of uncertainty.

While responsibility for disability supports spans both state and federal systems, people and families should not be caught in the middle of jurisdictional boundaries. In moments like this, coordinated leadership and visible action matter.

Melba stands ready to work with government, the NDIA and local stakeholders to help stabilise the situation and support people through this transition. Our focus is, and always will be, on ensuring people with disability receive quality support to live their life their way in their chosen community.

Thank you for continuing to raise the experiences of local people and families. We would welcome further discussion about how providers, governments and communities can work together to prevent situations like this in the future and strengthen safeguards when services are at risk.

Melissa Webster

Acting CEO

Melba Support Services