Mallacoota and district residents are set to benefit from all-abilities 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).
“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,” Mr Chester said.
“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,” Mr Chester said.
“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.”
MDHSS chief executive officer Anne Mwagiru said 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,” Ms Mwagiru said.
“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.”
Ms 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,” Ms Mwagiru said.
“The homes are designed to be fully accessible, incorporating features such as ramps, wide doorways and accessible bathrooms, ensuring that Mallacoota District Health and Support Service’s vision of a holistic health approach, where clients live safely and independently at a place they call home.”
