People with a commitment to social justice are being urged to help an organisation that has been fighting for the rights of Sunbury and Macedon Ranges residents with disabilities for more than 30 years.
Citizen Advocacy Sunbury co-ordinator David Abela says the group urgently needs residents to join its committee of management to ensure it can continue existing services.
While the immediate future of Citizen Advocacy was not under threat, Mr Abela said more hands were needed so it could keep recruiting caring, responsible volunteers to make a difference in the life of about 40 people who were lonely or facing difficult challenges.
‘‘Historically, we’ve had really good people on board, but we’ve recently lost some who have been on the committee since the beginning,’’ Mr Abela said.
He said federal government requirements had changed, so the need for a committee comprised of people with a range of skills, ranging from finance and marketing to fund-raising and networking, was more important than ever.
‘‘The whole thing has become more complex in that government requirements and funding are tighter,’’ Mr Abela said. “Even now we’ve got the government reviewing the framework of how they fund disability advocacy.
‘‘But fundamentally, we simply need people with a sense of social justice who want to give back to the community.’’
Mr Abela said Citizen Advocacy made a real difference to the lives of people it helped, providing friendship, new experiences and, in some cases, protection from abuse.
‘‘It’s not sitting in front of the computer and learning what’s happening in the world,’’ he said. ‘‘This is actually getting out there.’’
Details: 9744 7378 or www.casunbury.net
