By XAVIER SMERDON
WYNDHAM families have welcomed news that the municipality may receive a much needed disability respite centre.
As revealed previously by Star, local charity Mambourin was unsuccessful in their bid to build a respite centre.
But Geelong based charity Karingal has made a surprise application to build a centre in Wyndham.
Karingal Life Options General Manager Robyn Bradshaw confirmed that an application has been made.
“Karingal recognises the significant amount of unmet need in terms of respite services
in the City of Wyndham,” Ms Bradshaw said.
“We are pleased to confirm that Karingal has put forward a submission to the Support Accommodation Innovation Fund to construct and run a respite service in Wyndham.
“The proposal has been submitted in collaboration with the City Of Wyndham, the Department of Human Services and Karingal.”
Trevor Smithe from Wyndham has a disabled daughter and cautiously welcomed the news.
“If everything works out then it will be a saving grace for families in this area,” Mr Smithe told Star.
But Mr Smithe said until further details are revealed, he did not want to get too excited.
“We don’t know how big the place will be and how many families it can possibly help out,” he said.
“Often we see that as soon as these places are built the waiting list just gets way too long and it becomes impractical for families.
“I really hope this all works out because at the moment families in this area are just too damn tired.”
