The Mount Alexander Shire Accommodation and Respite Group (MASARG Inc.) is an independent, not-for-profit charitable organisation started in 2008 by ageing carers in Castlemaine, a rural town in Central Victoria. masarg.org.au

The group has two priority projects; the first of these is to construct a purpose-built Respite/Community house for people with disabilities.

Project need: Mount Alexander Shire is one of the last remaining Shires in Victoria that has no purpose built respite or accommodation facilities. Many carers in this Shire have been caring for a person with disabilities for up to forty and fifty years ¬ twenty-four hours a day with little or no break.

Priority 1 ¬ The Respite/Community House

Since 2008, MASARG has worked extremely hard to raise awareness and support. With just over $655,000 raised we now plan to commence building the Respite Community House on land generously gifted to MASARG.

(The cost of a purpose built respite facility far exceeds that of a regular domestic house.)

Further funds are now required to complete the specialised internal fit-out and to appropriately complete the landscaping and fencing for this self-sustaining Respite Community House.

The Community aspect of the Respite House is a very intentional focus for MASARG. We want the people we care for to belong to the local community. Our plans include making the Respite Community House a place where the Community is welcome. Meeting spaces, gardens, orchards, petanque and other important mutual activities both at the Respite House and within the local community are planned.

Priority 2 ¬ Permanent Purpose Built Supported Accommodation Units.

Once Priority 1 is complete, MASARG will then concentrate on fundraising to establish much-needed supported accommodation Units for people with disabilities. These Units, adjacent to the Respite House, will reflect similar values of community inclusion and ³home-like² planning. Many carers, now in their 60's, 70's and 80's worry about the future care and security of the people in their care.

Your donation will make a huge difference to lives of carers and people with disabilities in the Rural Shire of Mount Alexander Shire, Victoria.