Inclusion Melbourne Inc.

Sarah’s support coordinator helps her to live independently, connecting her to essential supports in the community. Without urgent and immediate action, the future of support coordination and other essential NDIS supports is at risk. Let’s ensure everyone has access to the supports they need. Join us in calling for action by the NDIA and Government here www.4abetterndis.com.au

Mark’s support coordinator helps him to live independently, connecting him to essential supports in the community. Without urgent and immediate action, the future of support coordination and other essential NDIS supports is at risk. Let’s ensure everyone has access to the supports they need. Join us in calling for action by the NDIA and Government here www.4abetterndis.com.au

Inclusion Melbourne is currently looking to fill the position of: Manager Direct Support, Full Time based at our Armadale Office.
Should you or someone you know have the relevant qualifications and skill sets for this role, please share this information or visit our website to view the Position Description and apply:
https://inclusionmelbourne.org.au/get-involved/careers/current-job-vacancies/

Inclusion Melbourne was so pleased to share our work and experience in systemic advocacy at Better Together 2024 in Geelong last week. The conference is Australia’s annual LGBTIQA+ advocacy gathering and was attended by 800 people from across Australia and the world.

Our Head of Policy, Research and Advocacy, Nathan Despott, and our long-time partner Dr Amie O’Shea from Deakin University were led by Cameron Bloomfield (Rainbow Rights and Advocacy) on a panel about improving health and wellbeing for LGBTIQA+ people with intellectual disability.

Did you know that LGBTIQA+ people with intellectual disability experience some of the worst mental health outcomes seen across the LGBTIQA+ community? For more about our work to boost inclusion and wellbeing, visit www.rainbowinclusion.org.au

Inclusion Melbourne is currently looking for our next super-star. We have a part-time Business Support Officer role, available, based at our Armadale Office.

Should you or someone you know have the relevant qualifications and skill sets for this role, please share this information or visit our website to view the Position Description and apply:

https://inclusionmelbourne.org.au/get-involved/careers/current-job-vacancies/

Last Wednesday night as a part of National Volunteer Week 2024, we celebrated the achievements of our wonderful Inclusion Melbourne volunteers.

Special mention to our milestone volunteers Rosita & Paul for 25 years of service, David & Frances for 20 years of service, Lefteris for 15 years of service, Amber for 10 years of service, Pete, Oliver, Rebekah & Ivan for 5 years of service.

As National Volunteer week comes to a close we would like to thank all of our wonderful volunteers for everything they do and for making a difference.

https://inclusionmelbourne.org.au/volunteering-expression-of-interest-2/

During National Volunteer Week at Inclusion Melbourne we recognise the wonderful work our volunteer visitors give to the elderly within our community.

Our volunteers visit older people, build a genuine friendship, which reduces loneliness and isolation.

Volunteers Visitors enrich their own lives whilst giving an older person something to look forward to each week.

Want to become a Volunteer Visitor

Please visit our website at: https://inclusionmelbourne.org.au/get-involved/volunteers/

Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS), Funded by the Australian Government

As we celebrate National Volunteer Week we would like to thank our wonderful Leisure Buddy Volunteers who generously give their time and energy to our participants.

The aim of the Leisure Buddy Service is to match volunteers with NDIS participants who develop a genuine friendship and together enjoy activities within our community.

Want to become a Volunteer Leisure Buddy

Please visits our website at: https://inclusionmelbourne.org.au/get-involved/volunteers/

As we celebrate National Volunteer Week we would like to Thank our wonderful Volunteer Tutors who assist our students at Armadale & Sunshine.

Volunteer Tutors support our students in communication, literacy, numeracy and computer studies.

What our tutors love most about their volunteering is the opportunity to experience a real sense of purpose and achievement by helping our students.

Want to become a Volunteer Tutors,
Visit our website at: https://inclusionmelbourne.org.au/get-involved/volunteers/

The Inclusion Melbourne Board, CEO Helen Williams and the Community Support Team look forward to celebrating this week with our volunteers with special acknowledgment to our volunteers who have reached significant milestones.

In particular we wish to thank Rosita & Paul who are celebrating their 25-year anniversaries of volunteering with Inclusion Melbourne.

At Inclusion Melbourne our wonderful volunteers freely give their time, energy and remind us of the importance of inclusion within our community.

This is a chance for all of us to celebrate and recognise the vital work of our volunteers and to say thank you

On Friday, we celebrated the life of Ian, a cherished friend and community champion.

Ian's journey with Gawith Villa now Inclusion Melbourne began in 1966, where his dedication to community programs and advocacy initiatives left a lasting impact on all who knew him. With a heart as warm as his smile, Ian brightened the lives of everyone he encountered.

Ian's interests were as diverse as his personality, from his love of cars to his passion for music and laughter. He found joy in the simple moments spent with family, friends, and his community, Cherishing leisurely phone calls and cups of peppermint tea.

As we bid our farewell to Ian, We honor his life and the profound impact he had on our community. A man born to socialise, who has left us with memories of his laughter, kindness, and unwavering spirit.

Though he may be gone, his legacy of compassion and joy will continue to inspire us all. Rest in peace, Ian. Y

You will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

At Inclusion Melbourne, our Direct Support professionals provide 1:1 community access where they work closely with the people we support to promote dignity, independence, choices, rights, and responsibilities of each person, plus supporting their achievement of goals and personal development.

They also support Trainers and Assessors across both campuses of our Inclusion Training RTO to deliver programs to participants in the classroom.

If you or someone you support would be interested in knowing more about our Direct Support Services, contact us on 9509.4266 or visit our website:

https://inclusionmelbourne.org.au/services/personalised-support/

Australians recognise 25 April as a day of national remembrance, which takes two forms.

Commemorative services are held across the nation at dawn – the time of the original landing in Gallipoli, while later in the day, former servicemen and servicewomen meet to take part in marches through the country’s major cities and in many smaller centres.

Anzac Day is a time at which Australians reflect on the many different meanings of war.

Inclusion Melbourne recognises the past, present, and future of all service staff that has and will fight for us, to live in this lucky land.

Experience the Transformation with Inclusion Melbourne!

At Inclusion Melbourne, we deeply believe in the power of empowering individuals with cognitive disabilities and breaking the barriers of social isolation. Our passion drives us to provide assistance and truly uplift and support you on your path to a meaningful and valued identity within your community.

Through personalised training programs and the fostering of authentic connections, we are here to help you unleash your full potential. Whether looking for educational opportunities, vocational skills, or simply the warmth of companionship, we are here for you.

📞 Contact us today at 9509.4266 to discover how we can make a difference in your life in 2024. Your journey towards inclusion begins here! Visit our website for more information https://inclusionmelbourne.org.au

Australians with intellectual and cognitive disability experience a range of barriers to participating in local sport and recreation.
However it doesn’t need to be this way.

Join Inclusion Melbourne and Freedom Solutions Australia for an online workshop presented by professionals from the disability and sports sectors and self-advocates about the best ways to support inclusion in local sport and recreation.

Learn about:
-Inclusive practices
-Legal and regulatory responsibilities
-Support, funding, NDIS, local clubs – how do they fit together?

The workshop will run on three different dates, so you can choose the date and time that works best for you:
- 29th April 11:00am-12:30pm AEST
- 3rd May 11:0am-12:30pm AEST
- 10th May 11:00am-12:30pm AES

The workshop is perfect for leaders of a sports peak or committee members of a local sports and rec club who are interested in disability inclusion.

Tickets and more information: https://events.humanitix.com/pass-it-to-me

Deakin University Football Australia Football South Australia AUSTSWIM Hockeyroos Athletics Australia Little Athletics Australia Basketball Australia Netball Australia AFL AFL Women's Cricket Australia Tennis Australia Hockey Australia Australian Baseball League Gymnastics Australia Water Polo Australia UniSport Australia

Pass it to me! Inclusive sport workshop | Humanitix Pass it to me! Online workshop about inclusion of Australians with intellectual and cognitive disability in local sport and recreation.

The Community Support Team at Inclusion Melbourne are busy planning our celebrations to honour and recognise our wonderful volunteers during National Volunteer Week in May.

National Volunteer Week 2024 will recognise the diverse passions and talents everyone brings to the act of volunteering.

It’s an invitation to explore the myriad of opportunities available, emphasising that there’s a place for everyone in the world of volunteering.
Whether you’re drawn to environmental causes, community outreach, education, or beyond, there’s a place where your unique skills and interests can flourish.

Let’s come together during National Volunteer Week, embracing this theme to showcase the vast spectrum of possibilities and the transformative impact that emerges when everyone finds their meaningful role in making a difference.

Interested in volunteering with Inclusion Melbourne
Visit our website or call us on 9509.4266
https://inclusionmelbourne.org.au/get-involved/volunteers/

At Inclusion Training, our classes are run by qualified Trainers and Assessors with higher education qualifications in training or adult education.
Most classes also include support for personal care in the form Direct Support Professionals.
Inclusion Training’s team of dedicated Volunteer Tutors round out the training and support model, providing thousands of hours of volunteer support to learners every year.
We have 2 locations: Armadale and Sunshine, if you or someone you know could benefit from our classes please contact us on : 9509.4266 or visit our website: https://inclusionmelbourne.org.au/training/about-training/

Inclusion Melbourne’s Direct Support professionals are committed to fostering a service delivery that goes beyond mere assistance; it is a dedicated effort to empower individuals in their journey toward attaining a valued identity within their local community.

We believe in the transformative power of establishing meaningful roles, allowing each person we support to contribute in ways that are personally fulfilling and socially significant.

Through tailored support, our team endeavours to not only develop but also extend the skills, competencies, and networks of those we serve, ensuring they become active, engaged members of their community.

Contact us on : 9509.4266 to find out how we can assist you going forward:

https://inclusionmelbourne.org.au/services/personalised-support/listening-to-you/

Many Australians with cognitive disability are excluded from ordinary political life and culture. It’s about so much more than voting. It’s about the right to get support to learn about politics and to be included in everyday political conversations.

In its 10th year of advocacy, Inclusion Melbourne’s I Can Vote project team delivered the 2023 Political Inclusion National Summit with The University of Melbourne, Inclusion Australia, VALID, Deakin University, Microboards Australia, Carers Australia, and many other partners. The team also presented to the Victorian Parliament's Electoral Matters Committee about the need for a robust political inclusion campaign run with and by Australians with cognitive disability.

Here’s a great short article from the Parliament of Victoria's Electoral Matters Committee about its recent survey, designed with support from Inclusion Melbourne. It was a delight to share our experience. Stay tuned for the next steps as we work with the Committee to finalise a proposal for a critical research project.

Get in touch to learn more about how you can help support the political inclusion of Australians with cognitive and intellectual disability, Acquired Brain Injury, and complex support needs.

https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/news/general-news/disability-survey

Tuesday afternoon CEO Helen Williams and Community Support Manager Gaye Berry attended Government House to celebrate the Volunteering Victoria Awards for 2023.

Our wonderful volunteer Rosita was a finalist in the Volunteer Commitment Award.

Congratulations Rosita. We value your contribution to the community and Inclusion Melbourne.

You are a wonderful role model and an inspiration to us all.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with us please call us on: 9509.4266 or visit our website for more information.

https://inclusionmelbourne.org.au/get-involved/volunteers/

THANK YOU VICTORIAN VOLUNTEERS

The Allan Labor Government is recognising 28 outstanding Victorian volunteers who have generously given their time and skills to make this state an even better place to live.

Minister for Carer and Volunteers Ros Spence has announced the nominees for the 2023 Volunteering Awards which recognise community organisations and volunteers for the enormous contribution they make to Victorian communities and the economy.

This year there are 28 individuals and 24 organisations nominated as finalists across eight categories:

One individual and one organisation will be named the Premier’s Volunteer Champions of the year at a function to be held at Government House on 27 February.

For the full list of finalists, visit www.volunteeringvictoria.org.au/awards

“Volunteers plays a vital role in our community and these awards celebrate the incredible achievements of our hardworking volunteers.”

“It’s been through the resilience and innovation of our wonderful volunteers that many of our community organisations have been able to continue to provide great service.”

Inclusion Training-Sunshine campus has started the year strong.

Our students have started 2024 with great enthusiasm, a few of our class-based activities are: Learning to read and write simple phrases and Learning how to use computers. If you or someone that you support would be interested in expanding their knowledge come join us.
Enquiry today 9509.4266 or via our website: https://inclusionmelbourne.org.au/training/

Inclusion Melbourne is Victoria’s longest-serving community-based support organisation supporting people with cognitive disability and those who are socially isolated.

We can assist you to build genuine relationships, discover and develop recreational and vocational skills, exercise full citizenship, and pursue meaningful opportunities for employment and further education.

Contact us on 9509.4266 or visit our website to obtain more information on how we can assist you with your needs in 2024.

https://inclusionmelbourne.org.au/services/

At Inclusion Melbourne our Personalised Support Team, aim to build strong relationships and have a shared vision.

If you or someone you support is looking for further information on our services please contact on 03 9509 4266 or visit our website:

https://inclusionmelbourne.org.au/services/personalised-support/

As we step into 2024, we're thrilled to share some exciting updates:

1️⃣ Increased Enrolment Spaces for Inclusion Training's Suite of Courses: We believe in the power of education and inclusion to drive positive change, and that's why we've expanded enrolments across a range of contextualised courses.
Join us to learn new things and discover opportunities for volunteering and working. Let's learn and grow together!

2️⃣ New Spaces for Support Coordination: We understand the importance of caring support coordinators who understand your goals and help you navigate the complexity of the NDIS.
We have opened new client spaces and look forward to working with you to live a good life.

3️⃣ Personalised Support for Vocational Pathways: Left school and wondering what’s next. We've got your back!
Our personalised vocational support will help you discover your potential and the unique vocational pathways available. Whether you're exploring career options, seeking guidance, or enhancing your skills, we're here to support your aspirations.

Ready to make 2024 a year of growth, we would love to speak with you.

Call us on 9509.4266 or enquire through our website:

Inclusion Melbourne: Intellectual Disability Support Services Melbourne We provide opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities to experience personal fulfilment, purpose and authentic social and physical inclusion, to live a good life.

Sometimes you may feel alone or isolated due to mobility, frailty or communication issues that may affect you from participating in social or leisure activities.

Regular visits form a matched volunteer may help you feel less isolated and improve your quality of life.

If you are on a government home care package you can be connected to a Volunteer Visitor through the ACVVS is funded by the Australian Government

Interested?

If you would like to know more about this scheme, or if you know someone who might enjoy having a Volunteer Visitor, please contact the Community Support Team on: Telephone: 03 9509 4266

Inclusion Training delivers quality supported opportunities for education and training to people with cognitive disability.

Courses provide skills and knowledge with the purpose of a vocational outcome.

Inclusion Training has two locations – Visy Cares Hub in Sunshine and Phoenix Park in Malvern East.

If you or someone you support can benefit from our Inclusion Training Services in 2024 contact us via our online enquiry page.

https://inclusionmelbourne.org.au/training/apply-now/

Lets celebrate the start of 2024 together ... contact us to see how Inclusion Melbourne can help you achieve your goals and aspirations.

www.inclusionmelbourne.org.au

May your world be filled with warmth and good cheer this holiday season and throughout the year ahead.

Thank you to everyone who supported us over the past year, we look forward to a fun filled 2024.

www.inclusionmelbourne.org.au

We are so delighted to present 'Pass it to Me! People with Intellectual Disability and Inclusion in Local Sport and Recreation'.

https://inclusionmelbourne.org.au/resource/pass-it-to-me

Our latest inclusion guide is 'dual read' - for people with intellectual disability and sports and recreation clubs and organisations.

People with intellectual disability have the right to be included in meaningful ways in Australia's local sport culture. This guide is all about finding positive, clever ways to build capacity and overcome barriers.

Supported by Freedom Solutions Australia Deakin University UWA - West Coast Swimming Club Mount Helena Junior Football Club South East Water.

Disability Sports Australia Australian Sports Commission Sport Inclusion Australia