History

During the period from the time Myrtle Cottage commenced in November 1977 to July 2006, the cottage operated on the site at Ingleburn now occupied by  Ingleburn Community Health. Following the successful application by Myrtle Cottage for funding from the Camden/ Campbelltown Sustainable Regions Programme, a Commonwealth grant amounting to $1.7 million dollars was approved. In 2008 funding of $233,000 was granted to cover the cost incurred in providing disabled access to the building. This funding plus fundraising in excess of $1.3 million dollars allowed construction of the building to proceed. The move to the purpose built facility in Bosci Road Ingleburn was made in July, 2006.

Finances

Assistance with the operation of Myrtle Cottage Group comes from the following sources:

Department of Ageing, Disability and Homecare

- Disability Service Programme (DSP)

-Home and Community Care Program (HACC)

Department of Health

- Provision of a bus and subsidy to assist with maintenance and running costs

The above funds are a contributions only, and do not totally fund our operating costs.

A significant part of our total operating costs come from sources such as donations, raffles, members contributions and appeals to the general public.

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Management

Myrtle Cottage is controlled by a Board of Management. Nominations for membership of the Board are accepted prior to the holding of the Annual General Meeting each year.

A Myrtle Cottage Advisory Committee is elected from the membership and volunteers with elected members of that committee meeting bi-monthly. Transport is provided for those elected  to attend meetings where required.

The powers of the Myrtle Cottage Advisory Committee are set out in the Delegation of Function signed by the Board.

Members of the Myrtle Cottage Advisory Committee stand down each 12 months and are eligible for re-election.

Only financial members and volunteers are eligible to vote at the Annual General Meeting. The Annual Membership Fee is $5.00 (not payable by volunteers) and gives each financial member the right to have a say in the affairs of the cottage.

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Transport

Myrtle Cottage provides a door to door service for all members. All vehicles are equipped with hoists to allow access for people in wheelchairs or those unable to enter via the steps.

We currently have one bus supplied by The Health Department. We are also funded to provide transport to all members attending the cottage. This fiunding has allowed 4 vehicles to be leased. With a Toyota Commuter van provided by the DADHC in 2007 as part of the funding to provide a Dementia outreach service the total vehicles operated now totals 6. This includes 3 Toyota Coaster buses and 3 Vans all of 12 seat capacity.

Four vehicles are used each day to pick up members attending the Diversional Therapy Programme.  The increase in members attending the Dementa Programme and the need to limit the time these people spend in transport to the cottage has resulted in the need to use three buses on most days to pick up those attending.

Volunteer drivers are an integral part of the Cottage. Without the giving of their time, expertise and skills, we would not be able to pick up all members for our various programmes.

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