Innovation the key to McIntyre's indepedent living
09 December 2009
Five Karingal residents were proud to receive their keys when Karingal’s innovative, architect-designed and accessible residential project, McIntyre was officially opened on November 6.
State Minister for Mental Health, Community Services and Senior Victorians and Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville presented keys to McIntyre’s new residents, including Leslie Murphy and May Howard, who spoke of their excitement of moving into their new homes at the event.
McIntyre is a $1.4 million residential development funded by Karingal, with the assistance of two very generous benefactors.
McIntyre has been designed by Morton Dunn Architects and built by JG King Homes to provide accommodation and support for six people with disabilities.
Support funding for four of the residents is provided by the Department of Human Services while Karingal is supporting the other two through their Individual Support Packages.
McIntyre not only provides a new home to the four residents who previously lived at Karingal’s Tahara service, it offers accommodation for two additional people. These additional places are the first two of the 40 new places the Karingal Board has committed to developing over the next five years.
Ms Neville, who also spoke at the opening, told the more than 60 people at the event that McIntyre’s innovation would be a benchmark for others looking at modern, accessible housing design.
“Karingal can be very proud of what it has achieved,” she said.
“I wish all residents every happiness in their new homes.”
The architectural design incorporates recommendations from the State Government’s “Build for Life” awareness campaign, aimed at making housing more accessible to people with disabilities and to address the needs of the ageing population.
Karingal Chief Executive Officer Daryl Starkey said the kitchens had been fitted with benches that alter in height for wheelchair access and bathrooms designed to suit the changing needs of residents.
“We believe this type of accommodation allows Karingal to respond to the individual needs and choices of our clients, offering independent living with the security of 24-hour back-up from support staff, if needed,” he said.
“The location and design of the residence offers increased opportunities to access local community facilities and to participate more independently in community activities.”
To take a look at McIntyre’s innovative design, visit www.karingal.org.au and see it via a virtual online tour.