People living with a disability in Ballarat are now receiving care closer to home and closer to family and friends, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan today visited a new disability home in Brown Hill – part of a $25 million Labor Government investment to end institutionalised disability care.

The modern house is one of 15 new homes for the 74 residents of Colanda – Victoria’s last institution for people with disability, located in Colac, which is due to close at the end of this year.

The site of the Ballarat home was selected to enable residents to live close to their families.

The new homes offer 24-hour support, personal space and privacy, and have been built in close consultation with the residents to ensure their needs and preferences are met.

The Ballarat house is home for five former Colanda residents. It holds five spacious bedrooms, a staff office and ensuite, two resident bathrooms, a large open plan kitchen and dining area, and an undercover outdoor area.

Ten of the 15 new homes in Colac, Geelong, Ballarat and Warrnambool have been completed and residents have moved in. Five remaining homes will be completed in Colac and the surrounding areas of Geelong in the coming months.

All the new homes are expected to be completed and the last Colanda residents moved in by the end of this year.

Quote attributable to Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan

“These beautiful new homes in the community are replacing outdated disability institutions in Victoria and ensuring residents are getting the best care, close to family and friends.”

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“This is all part of our work ensuring that people with a disability have a greater say in where they want to live – people are proud to live in houses like these and people with disabilities deserve the same opportunities as others.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“We are replacing outdated disability institutions with tailored homes in the community that are happier and healthier places to live in.”