Cher Jimenez
Gippsland Disability Advocacy group is now able to expand its support across the region thanks to a $150,000 funding boost from the state government.
GDAI chief executive Adrian Terranova said the funding announcement was a “big game-changer” and would enable them to hire two disability advocates in Wonthaggi to cover the Bass Coast and another in Bairnsdale in charge of East Gippsland.
Mr Terranova said referrals requiring a disability advocate were all directed to their Traralgon headquarters.
From there GDAI staff divide the work among themselves with some taking the long drive to reach people with a disability across Gippsland.
He said having disability advocates in Wonthaggi and Bairnsdale would provide a “localised response” to the needs of people with a disability across the region.
“Having a local person in those areas would provide greater capacity for us to do our work in a timely manner,” Mr Terranova said.
GDAI advocates for the rights of people with disability and is a free service in Gippsland.
