Governments club together

By Glen Atwell
CASEY Kidz Klub will continue to keep disabled teenagers active and entertained after securing funding from all three tiers of government.
Victoria’s only after-school program for intellectually disabled kids aged 12 and over will now receive $120,000 a year, split between local, state and federal funds.
In May last year, Casey council promised $39,000, a third of the program’s funding, only if the state and federal governments matched the amount.
La Trobe Liberal MP Jason Wood announced in Parliament in February that the Rudd Government would commit $40,000 to the Beaconhills College-based program.
The Brumby Government’s recently pledged $39,000 put the final piece of the funding puzzle in place.
After years of lobbying and political dead ends, founder Amanda Stapledon was overjoyed and relieved.
“Each level of government knew there was a service gap but no-one knew where the Kidz Klub should be funded from,” she said.
“There was lots of correspondence, discussions and frustrating moments but all three tiers have finally come together to ensure the program continues.”
The Casey Kidz Klub was established in Cranbourne more than two years ago and this year found a new home at the Berwick campus of Beaconhills College, allowing it to operate five nights a week.
Ms Stapledon said it was Casey council’s three-way funding challenge that opened the eyes and ears of state and federal MPs.
“It was a bold move by Casey to promise the $39,000 if the state and federal governments matched it,” she said.
“It really got the ball rolling.”
Casey Kidz Klub is run between 3pm and 6pm on weeknights and offers a variety of academic, sporting and social activities.
The program, designed by Kellie Hammerstein, incorporates best practice principles and organisers are considering launching Kidz Klubs in other parts of Victoria. Groups from Frankston and Mt Evelyn are working closely with the Casey Kidz Klub to establish their own program.
Casey participants catch a private bus from Dandenong Valley Special Development School and Marnebek School in Cranbourne to the Kidz Klub.
Casey councillor Steve Beardon, an avid supporter of the program since it first launched, said Ms Stapledon and her team had worked hard to ensure the program survived.
“It was tough, we struggled to stay afloat, but I knew the funding would come,” he said.
“There were countless sausage sizzles and community donations; the recent funding announcement marks a turning point and the beginning of a program that will hopefully be replicated nationally.
“Casey Kidz Klub offers hope to so many families,” Cr Beardon said.
If anyone is able to offer support to the program, or for more information, contact Amanda Stapledon on 5996 0194 or Kellie Hammerstein on 0418 503 643.