• 2: Child & Family
  • 2.1: CAFS
  • 2.2: Domestic Violence
• 3: Counselling
• 4: Disability
  • 4.1: EW Tipping Foundation
  • 4.2: Merrimu Services Inc
  • 4.3: Moorabool Respite Forum
  • 4.5: Parent Support Group
• 5: Education
  • 5.1: The Laurels
• 6: Emergency
• 7: Health
  • 7.1: Djerriwarrh Health Services
  • 7.2: Alcoholics Anonymous
• 8: Seniors
  • 8.1: Meals on Wheels
• 9: Service Clubs
  • 9.1: Lions Club
• 10: Sport & Recreation
• 11: Youth
  • 11.1: Rotary Youth Services
• 14: Sitemap

Merrimu Services Inc. provides a flexible, quality service that aspires to best practice for people living with a disability. It is responsive in meeting the individual needs of each person. The service facilitates individuals to reach their potential. Programs are operated within the context of community inclusion.

Merrimu was founded by a group of parents in 1973, catering for children and adults with an intellectual disability. In 1986 the responsibility of children was taken over by the Department of Education and they remained in the facility at Melton, now called the Melton Specialist School. A building was built for adults in Bacchus Marsh, with funds raised by the parent group and matched by the Department of Human Services. Merrimu is governed by a Committee of Management that is independent of the organisation's employees. Today, Merrimu Services Inc. has an adult clientele of over 100 and operates out of two community campuses, Melton and Bacchus Marsh. All people who receive day activity options are living with a disability.

President Graham Hooper

The organization auspices a shop in the CBD of Bacchus Marsh that sells giftware, children's clothing, furniture, quilts, handbags, maternity wear, baby gifts, cards, to name a few. The shop is conducted as an activity option and is not a profit making venture.

The ethos of the organization is to promote individuals' growth as participating citizens within an inclusive society. To work towards this, Merrimu's activity options comprise traditional day programs which include community access and participation; or people can access the community with support without attending the service. A combination of both options is also offered. Out of hours support is offered to people for community inclusive activities. People can be full or part time participants. All activity options are developed from people's requests and aspirations. All activities are focussed to improving people's lives and well being.

CEO Janet Batey

Staff are employed for their expertise in delivering activity options. Staff who do not hold a disability qualification are supported by the organisation in work time, to gain their qualification. The service has 21 full time and 20 part time staff; this includes Management, Instructors, Administration, Bus Drivers and Chaperones. The service has a pool of 12 casual staff that receives the same opportunities for training as the permanent staff; Merrimu believes that clients are entitled to receive expert support when the regular person is unavailable. Merrimu has two valuable volunteers in the woodwork and shop activities.

In 2006 the organisation developed a very successful respite service which is providing individual support in the community, day activities during the holidays and overnight holiday options to Merrimu's clientele.

The Hub
The Hub, has been built on the Bacchus Marsh site, adjacent to the main building, the pottery studio and horticulture activities. The Hub will deliver pre-employment training, woodwork options and contract work.

A large air conditioned room adjoining the main work area will cater for some educational aspects of the courses Merrimu delivers. Initially, The Hub will be the base for Certificate I Work Education and computer training.

Merrimu is most grateful for the financial support of The William Buckland Foundation to outfit the building. The Committee of Management committed funds from reserves for the slab, external structure and landscaping Lions Club members have constructed work benches, set up the electrical equip. ment and work areas. The builder, SC Commercial has donated extra internal wall cladding and the wood for the work benches. A donation from Mr MacDonald has enabled Merrimu to purchase new equipment for woodwork activities.

The Hub commenced activities on 5th July 2006. Additional activities that will be provided will include, woodwork courses for community members and a day time club for woodwork enthusiasts.

Future Development at Melton
The campus at Melton, located in Kurunjang, is unable to cater for the continuing growth 0f the organization. Melton has been flagged as one of the fastest growing communities in the State. Melton's population is predicted to increase by 60% over the next twenty years. The Department of Human Services statistics have indicated that Melton's disability services will continue to grow.

The Committee of Management is currently undertaking a Feasibility Study to explore options for partnership opportunities and infrastructure, to cater for the future needs of adults with a disability in Melton and surrounding areas. The results of the study will be a guide to ensure that the future models of service delivery will meet the demands of the increasing clientele in Melton and surrounding district.

Funds have designated by the Committee of Management for capital works. Once again we will be seeking the support of philanthropic organizations to assist Merrimu.

New Innovations Funding
Merrimu has been successful in an application to the Department of Human Services Innovation Funding Opportunity to auspice Certificate I Work Education. The funds will enable Merrimu to employ a Coordinator. We will work in partnership with Djerriwarrh Employment and Training Service to deliver the modules of the course.

The Hub will be the base for participants until we establish another facility in Melton. Then, Certificate I will be based across the two communities. Young people who have yet to develop the social and work ethic skills to cope in traditional provider facilities, would be ideal applicants. The course will prepare young people for entry to the workforce. The participants will be able to access the course for three years.

Neighbourhood connections based activities are an important aspect of Merrimu Services Inc where links with the community have been created and will be maintained and expanded at every opportunity.

Website: www.merrimuservices.com.au
eMail: jbatey@merrimuservices.com.au