Disabled advocate takeover

JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A SHEPPARTON takeover of Geelong’s disability advocacy service has “shocked and surprised” members, according to a spokesperson.
Barwon disAbility Resource Council chair Tina Gulino said her organisation was concerned the takeover might disadvantage people with disabilities.
Disability Rights and Advocacy Service (DRAS) transferred its operations to Regional Information and Advocacy Council (RIAC) on July 1.
“Neither RIAC nor DRAS had discussions with us or other advocacy services in the region,” Ms Gulino said.
“We were not informed of the takeover despite having a partnership agreement.”
Ms Gulino said RIAC had taken over DRAS funds and funding contracts worth an estimated $100,000, she said.
“The disability advocacy sector has worked hard to forge partnerships and networks to ultimately benefit clients. Inherent in these partnerships and networks is co-operation, transparency and openness.
“The two local organisations were working together harmoniously for the benefit of our local community.”
DRAS board chair Duncan Morris said the organisation would not have survived independently.
“Competition for funding in the sector is strong, so the board decided the better option was to discuss merging.”
Mr Morris said he was unaware the takeover had caused concern within the sector.
“DRAS is being liquated and its funds will be rolled over to RIAC to be used in the Geelong area. I’m just tidying up and not involved in any operational issues.”