By Carole Levy
Mambourin is in the business of connecting people to opportunities and supporting them to achieve what they want out of life. In fact, it’s been supporting people with disabilities for more than 40 years.
Leah Winfield, co-ordinator at the newest Mambourin hub in Sunbury, is loving being part of the community and believes everyone is unique and has their own story to tell.
“Each person has their own set of goals and their own interests,” Leah says. “With a network of hubs throughout the western region, we can tailor service options to suit all kinds of people.
“If people want to make new friends or do things in their community, we can help. Perhaps they may want one-on-one support – we can give that. Our aim is to open up opportunities to people to live their lives, their way.”
Mambourin is very much about providing choice. Recently, it has started a cooking course for people with disabilities at Riddells Creek Community House.
Other options, directed by the Sunbury hub, include all-abilities tennis at Gisborne South Tennis Club, using public transport, literacy and communication, and library skills.
Leah says that with the National Disability Support Scheme almost at full roll-out, people need to understand their choices.
“The NDIS is all about choice and control,” she says. “We have an NDIS team that can help people bring their plans to life, guiding them through the intricacies of the scheme.”
A great example of creating opportunities for locals, customer Blake Biasin is now helping out at the centre.
“I do work experience at Mambourin because my goal is to get a job,” he says. “It’s good because I get to learn with my friends.”
Mambourin runs tours of community hubs and holds “Have a Go” days on which services can be tried for suitability.
“We’ll also will be running free meet-ups in the Sunbury area during the next couple of months and will be keeping our community posted about where and when,” Leah says. “Stay tuned to our Facebook pages (facebook.com/mambourin/) and our site’s sign board. These community events will be a chance for people living with a disability, their families and carers to meet our teams and have some fun.”
What else does Mambourin offer?
•Life skills support
•Social and interest groups
•Weekend activities
•Leisure and recreation
•Sport and fitness
Mambourin Disability Services, 4/2 Brook Street, Sunbury. Inquiries: 9731 9200 or visit mambourin.org
