Bass Coast Shire Council has been providing essential support and services for people living with a disability in the community through the Building Inclusive Communities 'Rural Access' Program since 2001.
Funding for the Program was due to end on 30 June 2019, in line with the full roll-out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) across Victoria.
As a result of proactive advocacy by Councils across Victoria, including Bass Coast, the Program has received a funding extension.
Bass Coast's Program will now run until 31 December, 2019.
Funding for the program is provided by the National Disability Insurance Agency, through the Department of Health and Human Services.
Deputy Mayor, Cr Bruce Kent, said the funding extension was a great outcome for the community.
"The extension will enable the Program to continue its work within the community to ensure people with disability are included in all aspects of community life," Cr Kent said.
"The funding extension will also provide time to plan for the transition of the Program, to dovetail with the ongoing roll-out of the NDIS."
Since the Program begun at Bass Coast, there have been a number of project achievements.
These include funding local businesses, clubs and community groups to improve accessibility, co-ordinating leadership and capacity building for people with a disability, developing and delivering the Good Access is Good Business program and supporting the rollout of the NDIS in Bass Coast Shire.
