Wednesday, 30 October 2024


Adjournment

Nadrasca


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Nadrasca

John MULLAHY (Glen Waverley) (19:03): (892) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Disability in the other place, and the action I seek is for the minister to visit Nadrasca farm in Vermont in my electorate. Nadrasca is a disability support organisation in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, helping people live their lives their way. Nadrasca supports over 300 people to achieve their personal and professional goals through a diverse range of supports and services.

Last week I attended Nadrasca’s AGM, where we got to see the great work that the organisation has achieved over the past year, and I would like to acknowledge the great people who received their life memberships. Sue Lees is one of Nadrasca’s first supported employees. Having joined Nadrasca in 1975, Sue is fast approaching 50 years of service, which is truly remarkable. Dianne Mitchell has been involved with Nadrasca since the mid-1970s. She volunteered through extra activities at night, fundraising and organising social events. She was also instrumental in establishing the 18-plus program, now known as My Life, My Future. Frances Farmer has been involved with Nadrasca since its inception in the 1960s and has made significant contributions both financially and through extensive volunteering over the years. Sonja Spicer has been a tireless advocate for people with disabilities and has always stepped in whenever Nadrasca needed her. Her involvement has led to the creation of many new services. And Maryanne Weir is Nadrasca’s longest standing current employee. She helped set up the 18-plus program and is universally loved by participants, families and staff. My heartfelt congratulations go to Sue, Dianne, Frances, Sonja and Maryanne. I would also like to thank CEO Glenn Hodgkin, chair Douglas Mitchell and their dedicated and committed staff, whose efforts continually make a remarkable difference to the lives of many people living with disabilities in Melbourne’s east.

One of the recent examples of Nadrasca’s success is building customised pathways that focus on skill development for participants interested in gaining employment in their newly established Rookie Cafe. What started as a small group of participants learning to make and sell coffees, Rookie Cafe has grown into an establishment serving staff and guests, with a full morning tea and lunch menu on offer. I hope the Minister for Disability can come and visit this great organisation and perhaps even have a cuppa at Rookie Cafe and see the amazing work that they do.