Yooralla appointed to provide support to more Victorians with disability

Yooralla has been selected by YMCA Victoria Group (YMCA) to assume the operation of its Macey Heights Adult Day Centre and the specialist disability services program based in Avondale Heights, with the transition to occur in mid-February.

It follows an extensive national search and selection process by YMCA, so it is a testament to the quality of Yooralla’s services and the expertise of our employees.

Dr Sherene Devanesen, Yooralla’s Chief Executive Officer, said that Yooralla was privileged to have been selected to provide supports and services to more Victorians with disability.

“We would like to warmly welcome customers and employees from the Macey Heights Adult Day Centre and the specialist disability services program. Our most immediate priority is to undertake close consultation with all of the customers, their families and the employees to ensure minimal disruption and a seamless transition,” said Dr Devanesen.

As one of Victoria’s oldest and largest disability services providers, Yooralla has a strong presence in the North-West Melbourne region and an understanding of local community needs. Yooralla currently supports almost 750 customers in the North and West of Melbourne, which makes up around a quarter of Yooralla’s customers.

YMCA Victoria CEO Carolyn Morris said Yooralla’s involvement was good news for participants, families and carers, as it would ensure a high-quality service well into the future.

“This will not affect other YMCA Victoria services or our commitment to ensuring our core programs and services are inclusive and accessible for people of all abilities,” Ms Morris said.

Dr Devanesen said that there was a strong cultural synergy between Yooralla and YMCA.

“The organisations share close similarities in their mission, vision, purpose and values. In essence, both seek to empower people with disability through informed decision making and by supporting their choices,” said Dr Devanesen.

This will not impact service delivery to our existing customers across Victoria.