Thursday, 25 July 2019

Disability organisations across Gippsland are tackling discrimination; connecting communities and helping people with disability assert their rights, thanks to an Andrews Labor Government funding boost.

Member for Eastern Victoria Region today announced $150,000  for Gippsland Disability Advocacy Inc. as part $3.1 million for 25 new initiatives through the Victorian Disability Advocacy Futures grants program.

Seven of the newly funded initiatives will focus on advocacy for diverse groups, including Aboriginal Victorians, people identifying as LBGTIQ, older women, parents with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

The Gippsland Disability Advocacy project will focus on building relationships and delivering individual advocacy services to people with disability from Aboriginal and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds living in Gippsland. They will also be working with the New Wave Self Advocacy group.

There is also a strong emphasis on disability advocacy in regional and rural areas, with 19 of the 25 initiatives including a focus on regional and rural Victoria.

Funded initiatives also include a systemic advocacy campaign for more accessible and inclusive public transport, assistance to people with disability who have contact with the criminal justice system, and connecting those who are isolated through technology.

Advocacy is a critical safeguard to prevent the abuse and neglect of people with disability, and these grants are an important part of the Labor Government’s zero-tolerance approach to abuse in the disability sector.

Further information about recipients is available at: https://providers.dhhs.vic.gov.au/disability-advocacy-and-self-help

Quotes attributable to Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan

“We are proud to fund these fantastic projects that will assist people with disability in our cities, regions and rural areas to connect, assert their rights and have their voices heard.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing

“Congratulations to Gippsland Disability Advocacy Inc. Advocacy is vital for people with disability, to safeguard their rights and ensure they have choice and control over the services they receive, especially as the NDIS rolls out across the state.”

“The Labor Government is delivering a more inclusive Victoria in which everyone’s rights are protected and everyone can reach their full potential – these grants are helping to make that happen.”