Our Vision and Purpose
A society that values the individuality and rights of all people.
To open up a world of opportunities for all people to live a fabulous and purposeful life.
Our Values
Everyone at Melba is guided by The Melba Way – it’s how we do things, it combines our values, practice framework and The Melba Way Charter and is the key to opening up a world of opportunities for people to live the life they want.
The heart of The Melba Way is seeing every person as an individual with their own skills, abilities and characteristics. We find out as much as we can about each person and we record, respect and lean into that individuality. It’s this individuality that guides how we create, maintain and refine a person’s individualised service plan – minute by minute, hour by hour and day by day. This highly personalised approach allows us to support each person by offering tailored support that grows and changes with them.
Getting started with Melba
For over 50 years, Melba has stood beside Victorians with disability, championing choice, dignity, and dreams. As a proud NDIS provider, we offer personalised support, from independent living to community connection. Every service is built around what matters most. You!
Here is a bit more information on the process of joining the Melba community.
1. We are here to help
First impressions are important! your voice matters. We want to know what you’re looking for, how we can help, and we’ll answer any questions you have.
You can reach out to us by:
– email or our online enquiry form
– phone on 1300 696 352
You can ask us any questions you might have and we can give you information about the Melba community. We can send you further information if necessary and we can book a follow up meeting to get your Melba journey started.
2. Tell us what you want
We will ask questions and listen so we understand your needs and wants. Your ideas and preferences will help us tailor your support just for you. This is casual chat with you (and anyone you choose to bring) about one of our favourite topics…you!
We want to know:
– what makes you…you!
– what does living life your way look like to you
– what you like and what would you love to achieve
– how you like things done.
This is a great time to talk to us about what support you are looking for and anything else you think we should know. We will also talk about funding and your NDIS plan. You can ask us questions too – we‘re not shy about talking about the Melba Way!
3. Let’s plan together
We’ll meet with you to plan how we can best support you. We focus on what you want, you choose your support and the staff you want to work with. This is the fun part! Now that we know a bit more about you we can explore the Melba services that work for you.
This could include Supported Independent Living, Individualised Support Arrangements, Leisure, Recreation, Day Programs, Respite, Positive Behaviour Support, Occupational therapy.
If you are happy with what we offer, we will give you a document called a Service Agreement.
This outlines what support we will give you, your rights and responsibilities, and the costs (in line with NDIS pricing).
We will work closely with you to make sure everything is just how you want it.
4. Let’s go!
Your Melba support begins. We will ask for your feedback as we go along. Together, we will make any changes necessary to make sure you’re comfortable and happy. This is where it gets good. You’re now part of the Melba community, where people always come first.
Everything we do here is about opening up a world of opportunities for people to live fabulous lives. Go and be fabulous.
Your feedback is important to us, and we want to hear from you. Our team will check in regularly to make sure you’re happy with your support. And we can help you if your needs change.
Our History – Supporting people with disability for more than 50 years
Melba was established in the early 1970s by three families who needed day support for their children with disability.
With generous support from the community, the Melba Centre opened in Lilydale in 1973, initially supporting children with disability, then later including adults.
Picture: The Melba Centre in 1980.
By the mid 1990s, disability services in Australia were opening community-based homes for people previously living in institutions.
We changed our name to Melba Support Services and expanded service delivery into homes in Mooroolbark, Lilydale and Mt Evelyn.
Mergers with like-minded organisations expanded our services across southern Melbourne and the Ballarat region.
Melba Support Services merged with Impact Support Services (2015) and Karden Disability Support Foundation (2018), and in 2019 services extended again following the transfer of accommodation and respite services from the Victorian Government.
Melba’s services now extend from Melbourne’s outer eastern suburbs throughout east and west Gippsland, along the Mornington Peninsula and across the Central Highlands and Wimmera regions.
It has been a great privilege to support people with disability for more than 50 years and we look forward to continuing the journey over the next 50.
Get Support
If you are seeking support for yourself or someone else, contact us today.
Email Enquiry
Melba Support Services acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises First Peoples’ continuing connection to lands, waters, and community. We pay our respects to Elders past and present who carry the memories, traditions, cultures, and aspirations of First Peoples, and who forge the path ahead for future leaders.