By Carole Levy
Mambourin, a registered NDIS provider, has been opening up opportunities for adults living with disabilities for more than 40 years. It supports community members through a range of social and community choices, work-readiness programs and recreation and leisure activities.
Customer Dalia has been coming to Mambourin for six years and even gave a speech at the opening of the Sunbury community hub.
“Since being at Mambourin, I have achieved many goals, including how to use a Microsoft Word document on my own,” Dalia says.
Dalia enjoys cooking and learning how to use Microsoft Word has given her the skills she needs to write out her recipes.
‘’I enjoy coming to Mambourin because I like to socialise and learn new things,” she says. “My favourite activity is literacy. I like to give myself a challenge.’’
Literacy is just one of the choices available at Mambourin’s Sunbury hub.
Others include all-abilities tennis, life skills such as using public transport and library access.
Leah Winfield, Sunbury team leader, says Mambourin focuses on providing choice and tailoring services to meet each individual’s interests and goals.
“We are all about connecting people to opportunities that help them to enjoy their life and reach their personal goals,’’ says Leah.
“Everyone is different … we want to make sure we support people to live their lives, their way.’’
Mambourin has eight community hubs across Melbourne’s north-west. Providing transport between hubs allows it to offer more choices and connect people to a wider range of opportunities.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has now been rolled out across Hume, providing people with greater choice in the services they access. But navigating the scheme can be confusing.
“Mambourin has a dedicated NDIS team that can guide people through the process and help them bring their plans to life,’’ Leah says. “We’ve had a number of NDIS success stories, with some of our customers being able to access more services than they could prior to the roll-out.’’
Mambourin runs tours of its community hubs and also sets up at expos and events, such as local festivals.
“People can check out our Facebook page (facebook.com/Mambourin) to see when we’re out at events,” Leah says.
“Or they can call to arrange a tour, come and meet our friendly team and see what we’re all about!’’
Mambourin, 4/2 Brook Street, Sunbury. Inquiries: 9731 9200 or visit mambourin.org
