Respite centre a high priority
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Respite centre a high priority

Funds to establish a respite centre for families caring for those with special needs in East Gippsland was requested in State Parliament this week.
Gippsland East Nationals MP and Shadow Minister for Disability, Tim Bull, has requested government support to partner with local service provider, Noweyung, to establish what he called a “high priority” for the region.
Speaking in Parliament last Thursday, Mr Bull said the nearest respite facilities for special needs children were in Sale and Traralgon, away from local family and support networks.
“If you are planning on heading east to take a break as many do, families from Bairnsdale have to head in the wrong direction (west) to Sale or Traralgon before they leave and if you live further east in Lakes Entrance or Orbost it is worse.
“Noweyung has been very proactive in planning for a respite centre and that is coming to the pointy end, so I ask the Minister to join with Noweyung to provide funding support,” Mr Bull told Parliament.
“Our special school enrolment has grown to over 120 and those families need support outside school hours, as do those caring for adults with additional needs.”
Mr Bull said Noweyung had funds to contribute to the project, but needed government support to bring its plans to fruition.
The Minister has one month to respond to Mr Bull’s request.
Caption: Local Nationals MP and Shadow Minister for Disability Tim Bull, meets with Noweyung Life Members John and Liz Hansen, Noweyung CEO Mike Amor and parents Shane and Linda Pendergast to discuss plans for a new disability respite centre.