Melissa Court respite house is operated by Bendigo based Amicus Community Services on our behalf. (03) 5441 2666 — pathways@amicus.org.au
Mount Alexander Shire Accommodation and Respite Group
We are an independent group of parents, carers and community members working to address the accommodation needs for adults with intellectual disabilities in the Castlemaine area.
hello@masarg.org
Respite care
Respite care is temporary and allows for family and carers to take a break from caring. The person they care for will be looked after at the respite house.
> Learn more about Melissa Court (the respite house built by MASARG and operated by NDIS registered Amicus)
Long-term accommodation
There are no permanent, supported housing options in Castlemaine for adults with disabilities.
MASARG has researched and explored various options over the last 10 years but has yet to achieve an affordable and sustainable solution.
Book respite
Please contact Amicus who operate the respite on our behalf.
(03) 5441 2666
pathways@amicus.org.au
Respite care in Castlemaine
MASARG is the owner of the Melissa Court. The house is operated on our behalf by Bendigo based, NDIS registered Amicus Community Services.
(03) 5441 2666
pathways@amicus.org.au
amicus.org.au
The beautiful respite house offers:
- Spacious landscaped grounds in a rural environment
- All abilities bathrooms, one with ceiling hoist and walk-in bath
- All abilities kitchen with adjustable bench heights.
- Two large living areas with abundant natural lighting and soft couches
- Four bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms
- Large meeting room with kitchenette
- Staff sleepover area and office space
- Fully equipped laundry
An area at one end of the respite house can be closed off to create a private space with access to a lounge area, bathroom, kitchenette and bedroom.
The respite house is operated by Amicus Community Services
Melissa Court (also known as Lions McDonald Hill House) offers participants one-to-one support, community activities and skills development. There are card and board games, wi-fi, space to dance and sing and a relaxing outdoor area.
Opportunities for skill development are:
- Purchasing groceries
- Preparing meals in the all-abilities kitchen
- Household chores such as laundry, vacuuming and general housework and gardening.
Other activities the house offers are:
- Watching a movie, TV, or listening to music
- Doing craft activities such as painting and mindfulness colouring-in
- Enjoying the view, watching the abundance of wildlife that live to visit Melissa Court – kangaroos and birds.
Amicus staff work with participants to plan activities in the community, such as:
- Browsing local op shops
- Strolling through the beautiful Castlemaine gardens
- Visiting local places to have a coffee and cake while watching the world go by.
Book temporary or short-term respite at the Melissa Court respite house in Castlemaine.
(03) 5441 2666
pathways@amicus.org.au
amicus.org.au
Join MASARG
Become a member
Please consider joining MASARG as a member. A gold coin donation is all it costs.
Join our Committee
We welcome enquiries from people who would like to volunteer on our Committee of Management.
Contact us
hello@masarg.org
2025 President
Richard Forrester
MASARG
PO Box 466
Castlemaine VIC 3450
We acknowledge the Dja Dja Wurrung people as the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters around Castlemaine.
We would like to acknowledge the community’s generosity of spirit towards the building of the respite house in Castlemaine.
We are grateful for the grants from private and public organisations, as well as fundraising efforts by various individuals and community groups.
> All funding, grants and donations.
MASARG is a registered Public Benevolent Institution and endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient.
ABN 86 180 301 065