March 2005

Governor opens respite service

Carers and families in the Pakenham area will benefit from the new Cardinia Respite Service.

The short-term respite service will accommodate people with intellectual, physical, sensory and other disabilities, people with MS and older people.

Officially opened by Governor of Victoria and Patron in Chief of the E. W. Tipping Foundation John Landy the service is a four-way partnership between the Department of Human Services, the E. W. Tipping Foundation, the Shire of Cardinia and Carers Respite Southern.

The project was advocated by a local community group aware of the need for such a service in the Pakenham area.

Located in Holt Place, Pakenham, in a suburban subdivision, the new Cardinia Respite Service is close to supermarkets, speciality shops and the Pakenham Railway Station.

It has been specifically designed as a flexible facility—disability accessible throughout with internal roof tracking for hoists.

Its bedrooms and living areas are designed for maximum privacy and it is fitted with a full fire-risk management system and advanced security.

It is fully air-conditioned and heated and has substantial outdoor garden and recreational areas.