Women with disability benefit for monthly ‘storytelling’ meet

A not-for-profit group that operates under the Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association of NSW (MDAA) at its Granville head office in Hutchinson Street, the Network only receives funding via local government grants but puts them to good use.
Volunteer group facilitator Marilou Eduardo recently used a $5,000 grant from Cumberland Council to buy a coffee machine and was then able to secure barista training for 15 participants through TAFE.
She says the group, at which all ages, cultures, disabilities and their families and carers are welcome, looks forward to their catch ups twice a month.
“We have a meeting where we might have a guest speaker on women’s issues or mental health followed by our ‘storytelling’ where we share how everyone is feeling and any challenges and on the second occasion, we usually have an outing,” she said.
“We went on a Nepean River cruise using our Discovery vouchers, toured Canberra and are planning to return to the ACT in September or October for Floriade.”
A recreation activity officer in aged care for 19 years, Marilou says the meetings are always followed by an activity such as karaoke, dancing, craft or music.
“Some participants have an intellectual disability, others are in a wheelchair but everyone is always welcome and I’m sure our gatherings brighten up lives,” she said.
To find out more about attending, to make a donation or sponsor an auction item at the fundraising dinner, call Marilou on 9891 6400.