Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
New all-abilities cottages enhance housing for vulnerable residents in Mallacoota after bushfiresMallacoota residents will benefit from new all-ability accessible cottages, built to support vulnerable locals recovering from the Black Summer bushfires. The project, funded by $2.15 million, enhances local housing options. By news@gippsland - 14th October 2024 - Back to News Mallacoota and district residents are set to benefit from all-ability accessible cottages that have been built to improve housing options for vulnerable locals, according to Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester. Mr Chester said the significant housing shortage in Mallacoota in the aftermath of the Black Summer bushfires led to the collaboration between the former Coalition Government and Mallacoota District Health and Support Service (MDHSS). 
The MIVA MIVA Ballymena Bushfire Recovery Cottages, a joint effort by Darren Chester, the former Coalition government, and MDHSS, will officially open this month to address Mallacoota's housing shortage Recovery housing milestoneMr Chester said, "This accommodation is designed for some of the most vulnerable in the community, including those with chronic conditions, ageing or living with physical and mental health disabilities. Improving access to safe and secure accommodation allows people to stay in the community and receive support from local healthcare service providers." Mr Chester helped secure $2.15 million in funding from the previous Federal Government under the Black Summer Recovery Program for the project, which will officially launch later this month. "The MIVA MIVA Ballymena Bushfire Recovery Cottages is a vital MDHSS initiative dedicated to supporting bushfire recovery and is instrumental in providing ongoing health and wellbeing for the community." "I collaborated with MDHSS and helped secure funding from the previous Federal Government for this important project that will provide safe and secure accommodation for some of the most vulnerable in the community, allowing them to remain in the community they love while receiving medical support from local service providers. Nearly two years after the initial site work commenced, the construction phase is now complete, marking a significant milestone in our journey with a grand opening later this month," he said. Recovery cottages initiativeMDHSS Chief Executive Officer Anne Mwagiru said that increasing housing options to improve community health and wellbeing has been a longstanding priority for the local health and support service provider. "For those already living with health challenges or disabilities, the loss of houses in the overwhelming bushfire was even more significant." "Recognising this, MDHSS mobilised resources and expertise to address these urgent needs. We recognised that Mallacoota District and surrounding remote areas lacked purpose-built accessible accommodation, and the MIVA MIVA Ballymena Bushfire Recovery Cottages project would help us address that." "This initiative has been a beacon of hope for those who were most affected by the devastating bushfires, causing a major house shortage, particularly for individuals facing health challenges and disabilities. This includes the frail elderly, people living with chronic sensory, mobility, or cognitive impairments, and individuals dependent on assistive devices or complex medical routines," he said. Resilient accessible housingMs Mwagiru said the cottages are more than just homes; they are a symbol of resilience and renewal. "By providing sustainable, accessible housing, we are fostering a stronger sense of community and giving residents a foundation from which to rebuild their lives," "The homes are designed to be fully accessible, incorporating features such as ramps, wide doorways, and accessible bathrooms, ensuring that Mallacoota District Health & Support Services vision of a holistic health approach, where clients live safely and independently at a place they call home," Ms Mwagiru said. Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing. - New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing. - Latrobe Valley's new 100MW big battery boosts energy reliability, cuts power bills, and supports Victoria's renewable transition
A 100MW Latrobe Valley big battery has officially opened, boosting energy reliability, cutting power bills, and supporting Victoria's renewable transition, helping achieve government storage targets while delivering affordable electricity. - Martin Cameron says new emergency services tax replaces fire levy, adding enormous pressure to struggling small businesses
Latrobe Valley small businesses face soaring costs as Labor's new Emergency Services Tax replaces the Fire Services Levy, with Nationals warning it punishes regional communities and fuels insolvencies amid financial mismanagement. - East Gippsland Water launches new Voice of Customer program to enhance service through feedback
East Gippsland Water has launched a new Voice of Customer program, inviting feedback via SMS surveys to guide service improvements, with participants eligible for monthly $50 water bill credits. - Bass Coast Shire Council delivers new shared path linking Cowes and Ventnor, boosting transport safety and community connectivity
Bass Coast Shire Council will deliver a new 2km Ventnor Road Shared Path, linking Cowes and Ventnor, improving safety, accessibility, and community connectivity. The $1.96m project is jointly funded with the Australian government. - Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's fast-track renewable energy policy removing Gippslanders' right to appeal development decisions
Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's fast-track renewable energy policy after Gelliondale Wind Farm reapplies, warning it removes Gippslanders' appeal rights, undermines safeguards, and threatens proper siting of turbines near homes. - Danny O'Brien urges Labor government to fund new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel for community safety
Danny O'Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently fund a new $2 million vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, ensuring volunteers can safely cover Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, and protect locals. - Melina Bath criticised Labor's plan to create new national parks, locking out long-term bush users
Liberals and Nationals oppose Labor's plan to convert 65,000 hectares into national parks, citing unfair exclusion of bush users despite strong opposition and a 40,000-signature petition against the proposal. - Baw Baw Shire Council appoints experienced leader Tilla Buden as new chief executive officer commencing on November 2025
Baw Baw Shire Council has appointed Tilla Buden as its new CEO, bringing extensive leadership experience and community focus. She will formally commence in the role on 17 November 2025. - East Gippsland Agricultural Sector Advisory Committee welcomes new members to strengthen engagement with farming
East Gippsland's Agricultural Sector Advisory Committee welcomed new members, enhancing council's connection with farming communities while tackling key priorities like renewable energy, drought resilience, mental health, and pest animal challenges. - East Gippsland residents urged to foster dogs as Animal Aid Bairnsdale faces unprecedented influx and resource strain
Animal Aid Bairnsdale urges East Gippsland residents to foster dogs as rising numbers strain shelter capacity. Support, resources, and costs are provided, ensuring dogs receive safety, love, and a chance at adoption. - Danny O'Brien condemns Labor for empty social housing amid growing waitlists and rental shortages in Gippsland
Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for leaving social housing vacant as waitlists grow, citing fewer homes, shrinking rental availability, rising costs, and failed policies driving investment away in Gippsland South. - East Gippsland residents invited to author talk on Pearl Bradshaw - Princess of Hotham on 10 September 2025
Author Stephen Whiteside will present Pearl Bradshaw - Princess of Hotham, sharing remarkable stories of resilience, adventure, and history at special East Gippsland library talks on Wednesday 10 September. - South Gippsland Shire Council seeks community feedback on two proposed accessible locations for new toilet facilities in Nyora's RSL Park
South Gippsland Shire Council invites feedback on two proposed Nyora RSL Park toilet locations, offering improved safety, accessibility, and amenities. Submissions close Sunday, 12 October 2025. - Peri Urban Councils urge state government to invest in infrastructure and support housing growth across regions
Peri Urban Councils Victoria is urging government investment in infrastructure after a new report recommended 40% of new homes be built in regional Australia, highlighting housing demand, high costs, and infrastructure pressures. - Allan Labor government backs First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with new sports grants
The Allan Labor government has announced over $67,000 in Aboriginal Sport Participation Grants, supporting First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with travel, uniforms, and equipment to compete locally and nationally. - Wellington Shire Council offers free green waste disposal to help residents reduce fire hazards this season
Wellington Shire Council is urging property owners, particularly in coastal communities, to prepare for the fire danger period by taking advantage of its Fire Ready No-Fee Green Waste Disposal program. - Danny O'Brien slams Labor for funding maintenance at Sale College instead of new campus
Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for allocating $273,175 in maintenance to Sale College, arguing funds should instead deliver the long-promised new consolidated campus the community has campaigned for since 2017. - Omeo Justice Precinct draft masterplan unveiled to preserve heritage, enhance community use, and boost economy
Omeo Mountain Bike Park opens December with over 100km of world-class trails, boosting tourism, jobs, and community pride. Final touches, shuttles, and events promise an inclusive, adventure-filled destination. - Labor government backs Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve upgrades with major investment in cricket, football and community facilities
Works have begun on Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve, delivering oval upgrades, lighting, new changerooms, and improvements through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, boosting community sport, events, jobs, and local participation. - Danny O'Brien praises Gippsland community's generosity supporting Foster Kids after ram raid destroyed Christmas gifts
Danny O'Brien praised Gippsland's generosity after a ram raid devastated A Better Life For Foster Kids, urging continued support through toy donations, PJ Day participation, and community involvement to brighten children's lives. - Darren Chester welcomes Buchan Recreation Reserve redevelopment with pavilion, changerooms, community hub
Darren Chester welcomed progress on the Buchan Recreation Reserve redevelopment, delivering a new pavilion and modern changerooms, with government funding and volunteers supporting a safer, more vibrant hub for sport and community activities. - Danny O'Brien announces finalised Loch Sport groyne designs, Gippsland Ports to seek tenders before Christmas
Erosion works on Loch Sport foreshore will begin next year, with designs finalised for new groynes. Danny O'Brien praised the community's persistence and vowed to push for further coastal protection. - Latrobe City Council endorsed applications for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, targeting high-risk crash sites across the shire
Latrobe City Council has applied for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, proposing safety upgrades at Traralgon, Morwell, and Newborough crash sites. Successful projects will involve community consultation during the design phase.
|
|
