Sunraysia Residential Services Inc. (SRS) is increasingly expanding beyond its traditional disability support services, creating new opportunities for NDIS participants to connect, learn and build friendships through a growing range of community programs and social events.
Many of these activities are open to all NDIS participants, including those who do not currently receive supports through SRS, helping to build stronger connections across the local disability community.
One of the organisation’s most popular initiatives is its school holiday program, which gives young people aged six to 18 the chance to try new experiences, develop skills and have fun in a supported environment.
This year, SRS has also introduced a two-day youth sleepover in Mildura from July 14 to 16, bringing together school-aged participants from regional communities around Broken Hill and the Riverland.
SRS Services Manager Bethany Simpson said the initiative had already attracted strong interest from families in smaller and more isolated towns, including Ivanhoe in New South Wales, where disability support options can be limited.
“We identified a need among families in regional and remote areas for more opportunities for young people to socialise and build independence,” Ms Simpson said.
“We’re constantly adapting what we offer to ensure it reflects what participants and families are looking for while supporting their individual goals.”
To help make programs more accessible, SRS offers pick-up and drop-off services and can provide flexibility around parents’ and carers’ work commitments where possible, with sleepover and respite options also available to suit family needs.
Families are encouraged to speak with the team about any support needs that may assist their participation.
SRS is also excited to host a range of social events for NDIS participants in the coming weeks, including a 1970s-themed Disco on June 25 and a supported outing to the Balloons Over Mildura Night Glow event on July 4 to watch the hot air balloons illuminate the night sky.
Alongside opportunities to socialise and connect, SRS regularly hosts events that encourage participants to share their experiences, provide feedback and have their voices heard.
On June 17, the organisation will hold a Quality & Consumer Advocacy Group meeting for SRS Aged Care participants and their families.
A Disability Advocacy Group lunch will also be held on June 19, featuring special guest speaker Lachlan Giles from Mallee Sports Assembly Inc. who will discuss inclusive sport and recreation opportunities for people of all abilities.
Ms Simpson said the lunch would also provide an opportunity for members of the local disability community to ask questions about the upcoming Federal Government changes to the NDIS and any potential impacts they may have.
She said previous community forums had already led to meaningful outcomes.
“The Disability Advocacy Group meeting we held in March brought around 20 community members together to discuss issues that were important to them,” she said.
“That meeting was also attended by Mildura Mayor Ali Cupper, who heard first-hand concerns about traffic congestion on Fifteenth Street between Walnut and Deakin avenues, and the difficulties people experienced crossing the road safely.
“Following those discussions, the mayor raised the concerns with Council, which has indicated to us that they are now collecting data on traffic flows in the area.”
SRS is also running a petition calling on Council to install a pedestrian crossing along that section of Fifteenth Street. The petition has already attracted more than 200 signatures.
To register for a social program or for more information, call 03 5022 1741 or email [email protected]
Media Contact:
Vinnie Rodi – Marketing and Events Coordinator
Phone: 0439 364 781
Email: [email protected]