Minister Barr: More respite service available to Canberra families
- Written by ACT Government
Released 23/02/2016
Joint Media Release: Chief Minister Andrew Barr and Chris Bourke MLA
Today I joined Ricky Stuart and members of his Foundation to open the Ricky Stuart House in Chifley.
In 2012 the Government made a commitment to improve the Territory’s respite facilities. With the opening of the new Ricky Stuart House Children’s Respite Centre today, I’m pleased to say that we have delivered on that promise. The ACT Government is committed to ensuring that children with disabilities and their families have access to the best possible care and support. The new respite facility will provide that care and offer their families and carers the opportunity to take a well earned break. I’d like to thank Ricky Stuart and the Foundation for all their hard work.
Ricky Stuart House, a partnership between the Ricky Stuart Foundation and the ACT Government, is an innovative respite centre for children aged between 5 and 12 with disability offering short term respite for between 30 to 40 families each year.
The ACT Government has contributed $1.075 million to the development of this Centre which has been designed to include physical and sensory design features, as well as recreational spaces.
Minister for Disability Dr Chris Bourke said that the combined focus has been on creating a space that meets the needs of children and families.
“We are committed to providing the best in inclusive care and opportunities for Canberra’s children with a disability. As part of the ACT Budget 2015-16, the ACT Government committed a further $1.3 million, in partnership with the Ricky Stuart Foundation, to the construction of a respite centre that will cater to the 13 to 18 year old age group,” Dr Bourke said.
“It is a positive example of business, government and community organisations working together and pooling their knowledge and resources to turn a vision into reality. It is our hope that this type of collaboration continues into the future and new partnerships emerge.”
Ricky Stuart, founder of the Ricky Stuart Foundation, said that the Chifley-based centre will allow families to take a short-term break from what can be a fulltime caring role.
“Being a fulltime carer, while incredibly rewarding, can be tough. The respite centre offers children with disability, including autism, the option of staying for a few hours or for several days. This gives families the time to recharge and allows for their child to explore new friendships, experience new adventures and help foster a sense of independence,” Mr Stuart said.
“I am very grateful to the many local companies who have offered their services, either pro-bono or at reduced rates, to assist with the construction of the centre,” Mr Stuart concluded.
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
