- Published:
- Wednesday 10 August 2016
In a major redevelopment, the first of six new properties for residents of the Oakleigh Centre’s outdated Allen Street facilities officially opened today.
Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley joined Member for Oakleigh Steve Dimopoulos and Oakleigh Centre representatives to officially welcome residents to their new home.
The Andrews Labor Government invested more than $14 million to replace the old properties in Allen Street as part of its commitment to closing congregate-care style facilities.
The Oakleigh Centre is an accommodation and day service provider for people with an intellectual disability. The 25 residents will move from the Allen Street property to the five new group homes and one two-bedroom unit that have been purpose-built for them.
Oakleigh Centre residents, their families and staff played a key role in designing and developing the new properties to be furnished according to the residents’ wants and needs.
The new houses offer more personal space, privacy and opportunities for the residents to participate in the community.
The project is a partnership between the Labor Government and the Oakleigh Centre, who have contributed land and other resources to the redevelopment.
Construction of the remaining properties will be completed by the end of the 2016.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley
“The residents and staff of Oakleigh Centre have worked so hard to build the best possible homes for the people who will be living there. It’s absolutely inspirational.”
“This major redevelopment project is part of our work to ensure people with a disability more say in how and where they want to live.”
Quote attributable to Member for Oakleigh Steve Dimopoulos
“The Allen Street properties served their purpose well for many years, but now it’s time to give these people a home fit for them, with the space and privacy they deserve.”