As the Mayor’s Walk for Disability gets closer, City of Casey Mayor Cr Amanda Stapledon was thrilled to help celebrate the commencement of construction of four supported accommodation units in Cranbourne East this morning.
Delivered through a partnership between the Wolfdene Foundation and Blairlogie Living and Learning Inc., the initiative, titled Project 28, aims to address the gap of 28,000 dwellings Australia wide for people who live with a disability, with 28 units, by 2028.
All proceeds raised through the Mayor’s Walk for Disability will be donated to the project.
Cr Stapledon said she was honored to attend this morning’s sod turn, which saw the beginning of construction for the units, and said she can’t wait to raise money for this very worthwhile cause.
“Currently, there are thousands of Australians with a disability who are forced to live in unsuitable homes because there are no alternatives, however the establishment of this initiative will help address this problem that is faced by so many,” Cr Stapledon said.
“My walk in September will help raise funds for Project 28 and overall awareness of the hardship that is faced by so many people in Casey who live with a disability, as well as their carers.”
Jonathan Atchison, Director of the Wolfdene Foundation, said as a major developer of land in Casey they saw this as a wonderful opportunity to help alleviate some of the challenges and pressure faced by local families.
“Through Project 28, we can provide somewhere for adults with a disability to live that is comfortable and supported, and close enough to their families so they can have easy and regular contact,” he said.
Following the celebration, Cr Stapledon kicked off her next Walk and Talk with the Mayor, a weekly walk held at a different location across Casey, as part of her preparation for the Mayor’s Walk for Disability. This week’s walk was held at Dartmoor Reserve in Cranbourne East, nearby where the new supported accommodation units will be built.
The Mayor’s Walk for Disability will run from 14 – 22 September, starting at Livvi’s Place in Lyndhurst and wrapping up at the Doveton Show.
The event will see the Mayor walk throughout Casey and visit various community organisations, businesses, volunteer groups and facilities.
The community is encouraged to join the Mayor at one of her weekly training sessions, or during the main event in September.
The supported accommodation units are expected to be complete by April next year.
