Disability Services

The Hon. J.S. LEE (14:35): My question is to the Minister for Human Services about disability support services. Minda Incorporated was established in 1898 and provides support for children and adults with disability in South Australia. Can the minister please inform the chamber about Minda's recent developments.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (Minister for Human Services) (14:36): I thank the honourable member for her question and her interest in this area. On 9 May, Minda celebrated its master plan stage 2 official launch with His Excellency the Governor Hieu Van Le. Also in attendance were the Hon. Emily Bourke; the member for Boothby, Nicolle Flint; Senator Rex Patrick; and a number of supporters, including Mr Tony Harrison, the CEO of the Department of Human Services, a former board member, and deputy CE, Ms Lois Boswell.

The official opening was a great celebration. As the honourable member stated, Minda was established in 1898, actually at Fullarton. It has grown from a 22-person residential facility to an organisation which provides support to more than 1,700 people with intellectual disability, in the areas of employment, accommodation, respite care, daily activities and leisure. It is also a registered training organisation with its South Australian Learning Centre providing training and short courses in disability, aged care and mental health.

In 2007, Minda commenced work on a 10-year master plan for the development of its 28.5 hectare site at Brighton, which houses approximately 300 clients. Minda's goal is to create a high-quality, integrated, affordable, sustainable urban village for people with intellectual disability. The project is well underway with the progression of stages 2 and 3. Its $260 million master plan will replace outdated living arrangements for 170 people currently living in congregate care at its Brighton site.

Stage 2 of the master plan commenced in early 2017 and includes construction of 18 single-storey houses, two three-storey apartment buildings and the Brighton Dunes, which will offer luxury retirement living for over-55s. The master plan also includes construction of a purpose-built lifestyle precinct which will provide a venue for Minda's MyPATH day option program offering choice in activities and opportunities to develop skills and foster independence.

A number of us enjoyed a tour of the site, which is incredibly impressive. If anybody is interested in having a look they can contact the organisation and visit the site. There are certainly some very secure apartments there which are monitored by staff and are very modern and obviously at the highest level of disability accessibility. The activities that we were able to see included art, music, dance and a kiln area as well, which provides some fantastic activities for people who are Minda's clients. We congratulate them on the work they have done and wish them and their clients all the best in the future.