Local information for people with disability

The Home and Community Care Program for Younger People (HACCPYP) in Hepburn Shire is delivered by mecwacare as of 1 July 2022. 

HACC PYP is a Victorian Government program targeting people aged under 65 (or under 50 for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people), who need some support, to remain safely living at home and to access the community, because they have trouble in performing activities of daily living.

HACC PYP services focus on maintaining or regaining independence and are not always an ongoing service. The services are aimed at enabling ongoing community access and connectedness and provide much needed support for carers.

Eligibility for services is determined during an assessment with an Assessment Officer.

mecwacare is a not-for-profit, non-denominational charitable organisation that has been caring for the community since 1959. They provide residential, community and in-home nursing care and support services for people who are aged and people who are living with a disability.

mecwacare supports more than 20,000 people across Victoria through a highly integrated service network operated by more than 2,000 employees and 500 volunteers. Their staff are culturally and linguistically diverse, representing 89 nationalities and speaking 100 languages to match the needs of clients. 

Contact

mecwacare Home Care Services Intake
1287 Malvern Road, Malvern VIC 3144
P 03 8573 4980 / E intake@mecwacare.org.au

or

mecwacare Home Care Services Southwest Region

10 Drummond Street North
Ballarat VIC 3350

P 03 5333 0900

For information on Council's decision to withdraw from HCCPYP service delivery please visit our Participate Hepburn website.

Victoria transitioned to an Accessible Parking Permit (APP) Scheme and online administration system in March 2021. Applications for APPs are now managed through Accessible Parking. Follow the steps on the online form to apply for a new APP, or replace an existing APP.

If your application is successful you’ll receive your permit in the mail.

Once your application is approved, your permit will arrive in the mail in approximately seven – 10 business days. These times may vary depending on Australia Post demand.

For more information on APPs visit the VicRoads website.

The Victorian Companion Card is a free card that allows a person’s carer free entry into participating venues and events.

The Companion card is for people with significant and permanent disability who have a lifelong need for a high level of attendant care to participate in social activities or events where an entry fee is charged.

Search local businesses and organisations who accept the Companion Card.

Grampians Disability Advocacy- Hepburn/Moorabool Region

Kaylene Howell 
Phone: 5348 3350 / 1800 552 272
Email: daylesford@grampiansadvocacy.org.au
Website:   www.grampiansadvocacy.org.au

Offices are located at:

Daylesford Office (open Monday, Thursday & Friday 9am to 5pm)
Hepburn Health Service
Cnr Hospital & Jamieson Streets

Clunes Office (Tuesday 9am to 5pm)

1800 552 272 
admin@grampiansadvocacy.org.au

NDIS

www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis/how-apply

Carers Victoria is the peak body representing all unpaid carers in Victoria. They provide services and advice for carers, as well as education workshops, programs and events across the state. You can find more information here.

Some carers may be eligible for a Companion Card. Information about this program is available on this page.

Carers providing support to older people can access services through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).

Carers providing support to younger people aged under 65 (or under 50 for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people), who need some support, to remain safely living at home and to access the community, can access services through the Home and Community Care Program for Younger People (HACC PYP). Information about this program is available on this page.

Further information on local services can be found through the ‘Ask Izzy’ directory.

Recharge for free at:

Daylesford Visitor Information Centre

98 Vincent St, Daylesford

03 5321 6123

visitorinfo@hepburn.vic.gov.au

Council works with our Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) to address barriers to access and inclusion in the community, and monitor progress and implementation of the Disability Action Plan 2023-2026(PDF, 1MB).

This committee:

• Ensures a proactive, two-way conversation with Council about how to effectively implement the actions in the Disability and Access Inclusion Plan and other Council strategic plans
• Addresses other access issues as they arise
• Acts as Council’s disability representatives in the community to seek broader views on access issues
• Develops proactive solutions to effectively address access issues as they arise.

The purpose of the DAC is to provide advice to Council on:

• Future policies, plans or services that may impact people with a disability
• Helping to promote positive images of people with a disability
• Suggesting ways to advocate for better access and disability rights in the community
• Supporting tourism attractions and employment opportunities for people with a disability
• Advocating to organisations and partnerships for increased access for people with disability
• Raising awareness and improve the employment opportunities of people with a disability in the Shire
• Issues that affect people with a disability within the Shire
• Issues and concerns are dealt with in a proactive manner and recommended ways forward.

For more information on the committee contact Council's Inclusion Officer at shire@hepburn.vic.gov.au.