By Kirsty Ross
TWO cash-strapped community groups made last minute pleas for inclusion in Wyndham City Council’s 2006/2007 proposed budget, and managed to win a slice of the pie.
And the winners were the Werribee Baptist Church and Wyndham Community Benevolent Foundation, and the Hoppers Crossing Tennis Club.
Council considered the only submissions and decided to add the projects to its hefty schedule this year.
Werribee Baptist Church and Wyndham Community Benevolent Foundation won a $30,000 grant to renovate a house in order to give respite care for families of people with a disability.
The five-bedroom house, opposite the Wyndham Leisure and Events Centre, will fulfil an urgent need for overnight respite care.
The State Government, rather than councils, is responsible for providing accommodation for the disabled, but is trying to direct funding away from institutions towards “home-based respite”.
However, according to the Department of Human Services, the proposed centre falls under the guise of an “institution”, and is therefore not eligible for a grant.
Truganina Ward councillor Kim McAliney said she was disappointed about the lack of state support, but was glad the council could cover it.
“I’m a little disappointed the State Government doesn’t believe the respite model is an institution,” she said.
“The State Government is only starting to realise aged care is not suitable for young adults.”
The Hoppers Crossing Tennis Club will net $25,000 to repair two of its six courts.
This was a cheaper option for council than spending $130,000 on building two new courts with lights.
Community Centres, roads, paths, open space and recreational facilities all feature prominently in the budget, which boasts a $46.45 million capital works program and an average rate increase of 2.5 per cent.
The community was invited to make submissions until 13 June.
