Looking out at the land adjacent to the Marong Uniting Church, the project’s champions were hopeful their plans would soon become a reality.

Because the need for housing was becoming more pressing with each passing year.

Quality Living Options Bendigo and the Uniting Church congregation of Marong have formed a partnership to create a community of care for adults with disability living within the community.

Concept plans for the project, titled Amara@Marong, have been drafted with the land the church has tended to for the past 150 years as the proposed locale.

The partners are in discussions with the Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania about the initiative.

Negotiations are expected to determine the viability of the land’s suggested purpose, and clarify the roles of each of the parties to the agreement.

“Whilst planning is progressing and negotiations continue, the need for a future where the ongoing care and certainty for our adults is achieved, continues to concern us,” QLOB president Noela Foreman said.

The group started in 2012 to address a lack of long-term housing options in the community for people with disabilities.

“There just wasn’t enough accommodation for our kids,” Dr Foreman said.

She said ageing carers in the group, such as herself, were exhausted and worried there was no relief in sight. 

Most of the more than 50 members are at least 70 years old and have been carers for a prolonged period.

The Amara concept plans include a number of residential buildings, varying from two bedroom to five bedroom dwellings.

The homes would cater for the needs of people with disabilities and their carers. 

A community hub would give residents and visitors access to courtyards, a community vegetable garden, and spaces in which to host social activities.

Being based in the centre of a growing community would have its benefits for the development’s residents, Dr Foreman expected.

“We will be lucky to have a range of facilities on our doorstop,” she said.

“We believe our adults will have opportunities for inclusion in many activities that may not be available in a larger city, where competition for the work they do can be more intense.

“Our project is designed to enable those we support to actively involve themselves in the local community and with this in mind we will be encouraging the wider community of Marong to use our multipurpose building for meetings and to join with our adults for classes in craft or occupational studies, art, drama and listening to music.”

The group intends to provide opportunities for people to try pottery, painting, yoga and a range of other pursuits.

“One of the problems with our kids going out and living in the community is that it can become very lonely,” Dr Foreman said.

Marong Uniting Church spokesman David Ralton said the town’s residents were excited about the project.

“Everybody that we explain what we’re doing to has been supportive,” he said.

“Lots of the locals are wanting to get involved already.”

Dr Foreman encouraged anyone keen to learn more or offer assistance to contact her by calling 0407478512 or 54478512 or to email qualitylivingoptionsbgo@gmail.com.