Michelle Slater
A widowed father of four, including a 10-year-old girl with disabilities, is wondering why his family is still waiting for a roof over their heads, despite being told they are a high priority for public housing.
Morwell dad Wayne Mifsud and his family don’t have a home after being on the public housing waiting list for almost three years.
Mr Misfud was assured he was a top priority because he had four dependents including a child with cerebral palsy.
“I just want a house, that’s all I’m asking for. They keep telling me I’m a priority, I thought I would’ve got a house by now with a disabled daughter. I don’t understand,” Mr Mifsud said.
“I didn’t think it would be this hard. They just keep telling me there are no houses.”
The family was given notice to vacate a private rental home a couple of months ago and was taken in by a friend where the children are sharing rooms.
“I’m very lucky to have a friend to help us out and the kids are lucky to have a roof over their heads but we need our own home,” Mr Mifsud said.
“I’m not asking for money; we have everything else we need. All I want is a house.”
Mr Mifsud is on a full-time carer’s pension for his daughter Emma who needs a walking frame and has undergone a string of surgeries since birth.
He said he had several referrals from paediatricians and surgeons recommending the family get a roof over their heads as soon as possible.
Mr Mifud was also assured the family is eligible for National Disability Insurance Scheme funding for the potential home to be kitted out with handrails for Emma to get about.
Mr Mifsud’s wife died of cancer four years ago.
He said the family was settled in Morwell, but was facing a lack of affordable homes big enough to accommodate the family.
A Department of Health and Human Services spokeswoman said there were some specific disability modifications needed to meet the needs of the youngest daughter.
“The department understands the situation the family is currently in and is working with a number of support agencies, in order to work through housing options,” she said.
