Flag of dreams

THE flag that was flying above the House of Representatives the day the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) bill was introduced to Parliament will hang in the foyer of the new Outlook Community Centre.
Last week, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas and La Trobe MP Laura Smyth MP visited the centre in Pakenham to inspect the progress of the $3.2 million federally-funded redevelopment.
Ms Smyth presented the flag to Outlook president Tony Fitzgerald as they discussed the disability insurance reform and the redevelopment taking place at the centre.
Mr Fitzgerald said Outlook was a unique community centre and would continue to provide a service to the wider Casey and Cardinia communities.
“We really appreciate the support and commend Ms Smyth for her hard work in this area,” he said.
He spoke about the plan to make Outlook fully integrated and help people with disabilities in the community to stay in the area.
“The funding that was provided helps to make that real and make Outlook a resource of the community,” Mr Fitzgerald said.
“We work towards Berwick and Cranbourne too – we don’t bring people here on buses, we want to keep them in the house and help get them work-ready.
“It’s about building their confidence and making them a part of the community.”
Ms McLucas said she hadn’t realised how much the region was growing until she came to town on Thursday.
“Australian Disability Enterprises like Outlook give people with a disability, who without specialised support may not be able to find and keep a job, the opportunity to participate in the workforce,” she said.
“All Australians deserve the opportunity to find employment that matches their skill set.”
During the tour, there was also a discussion about the future of the NDIS and what it would mean for disability providers like Outlook.
Ms Smyth said Outlook was “NDIS ready” and would continue to be a local asset.
“There are a number of parents whose children have disabilities who didn’t have certainty or the information about the disability support system,” she said.
“Now is the time to give people a bit of certainty.
“The NDIS will fundamentally change the way we support people with disability, their families and carers – it is a historic and important reform which I know many locals are eager to see progress in Victoria.”