MECWA

MECWA is an Australian not-for-profit working in the field of ageing, disability and dementia support. Its major operation take place around Melbourne, Victoria and within the Shire of Cardinia.

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History

MECWA first came into being in the 1950's when a group of town councillors from the Malvern area recognised the need for greater services to the area's elderly population.

Led by Dudley Lucas and Jack Jenkins, the group held a series of fund-raising events to raise the money needed to build a facility near the Malvern Cricket Ground. The organisation officially first convened on 5 November, 1959 under the name Malvern Elderly Citizens' Welfare Association.

Activities for the organisation grew over the subsequent decades until they had extended far beyond the boundaries of the Malvern Town Council. At this point, the full name of the organisation was abandoned and its acronym, MECWA, became the official name of the group.

In 2006, the name was extended to MECWA for ageing dementia and disability support. This extension served to clarify MECWA's role in an increasingly competitive not-for-profit sector.

Services

MECWA provides over AUD$20 million of service for the elderly as well as people with dementia or disabilities. ^[1]

Its flagship service is MECWA Redicare, which provides comprehensive in-home support for the elderly as an alternative to aged care homes for people who need help but still want to retain their independence.

As well as Redicare, MECWA offers a rang of other community based services including planned activity groups, after-hospital care, meals on wheels and transport services.

Notes

References

• State Government of Victoria – Department of Human Services – New head office for MECWA community care Wednesday, 9 December 1998
• The Age, Melbourne, August 19, 2006 – Teach the staff to stay MECWA was named winner of the Employer Achievement in Creating a Learning Culture award.
• Australian Government – Department of Health and Aging – MW 34/98, 27 February, 1998 – New Trescowthick Centre for care of older, frail people in Pirahan Centre is operated by MECWA

See also

• Sir Donald Trescowthick