Mowaljaris warm the hearth in Derby

Disabled brother and sister, Simon and Ida Mowaljari have taken possession of their new, $720,000 purpose-built, four-bedroom home in Derby after spending the past 11 years being cared for in the local nursing home, Numbla Nunga.

The new home was funded by the Disability Services Commission’s Young People in Residential Aged Care project.

The commission’s Broomebased Kimberley local area co-ordination area manager Russell Smith said the move was one of the many positive outcomes of the project.

“The project aimed to give young people with disability, living in aged care facilities, the opportunity to live and participate within their communities,” he said.

“Ida and Simon were too young to be living in a nursing home.

“Unfortunately, this can be the only option for many younger people with a disability when there isn’t anything else available.”

Mr Flint said the project aimed to change that situation, by identifying younger people with disability who were at risk of becoming permanent residents in aged care facilities, and seek alternative solutions and accommodation for them.

Project funds were also used to furnish the home and provide the siblings with the use of a wheelchair-accessible vehicle.

Other community organisations who contribute to the care and welfare of Mr and Ms Mowaljari include Life Without Barriers, which provides two full-time carers with a strong knowledge and awareness of the siblings’ Aboriginal cultural and family needs and Kimberley Individual and Family Support Association, KIFSA, which provide the pair with alternatives to employment support, which will ensure their ongoing involvement within the Derby community.

Mr and Ms Mowaljari moved into their home in March. They held a housewarming with friends and family on May 5.