Vulnerable Adults Face Uncertain Future as Council Sells Key Disability Centre Land
Fears are mounting that the lives of vulnerable adults with disabilities in Melbourne’s south-east will be significantly disrupted following a unanimous decision by the City of Stonnington council to sell a valuable parcel of land. This land has been a vital hub for a cherished disability centre and a local food bank for many years.
The Fisher Street Centre in Malvern East provides essential care and a range of activities for thirty-six adults with disabilities. Over the decades, it has blossomed into a close-knit community, offering a sense of purpose and belonging to their loved ones, according to many families. However, the centre is now slated for closure, with the building set to be demolished and the land subdivided, a decision approved by the council this month.
A Devastating Impact on Daily Lives
For families like the Christies, the impending closure represents a significant blow. Elena Christie’s brother, Damien, a 55-year-old man with high-needs disabilities, has been attending the centre for about a year. Before his involvement, he was on a path towards becoming non-verbal, but his engagement at the centre has led to a noticeable improvement.
“Damien will actually lose probably the most important thing for him in terms of his outward look onto life,” Christie expressed, fearing a regression in his communication and overall well-being. “I know it sounds overblown, but his reason for living may totally digress – I can see a major downfall for Damien’s life.”
Damien’s father, Peter, shoulders the responsibility of caring for both his wife, Jean, who requires dialysis, and their son. The Christies are deeply concerned that without the structure and social interaction provided by the Fisher Street Centre, Damien would be left at home watching television all day. They have explored alternative NDIS services highlighted by the council, but found they do not meet Damien’s specific needs.
For years, disability service provider Mecwacare has leased the building from the council at a nominal “peppercorn” rent. They have utilised the space to run various disability programs, focusing on crucial life skills such as cooking, money management, and communication, alongside other enriching activities. The Malvern Emergency Food Program also operates from the centre, highlighting its multifaceted community role.
Council’s Rationale for the Sale
Council documents justifying the sale cite “low usage” among Stonnington residents, indicating that only four individuals involved in disability programs reside within the municipality as of mid-2025. During a recent council meeting, Councillor Jami Klisaris acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but stated that the land was not a site the City of Stonnington had a current or future use for.
Councillor Klisaris explained that the council is undertaking a review of older agreements in light of a “tightly constrained budget environment.” She noted that the annual rent paid by Mecwacare for the facility was a mere $10. “At the end of the day, the City of Stonnington is not an NDIS provider,” she remarked, underscoring the council’s position that its core function does not extend to operating such services directly.
The land itself, originally comprising two separate blocks of approximately 655 square metres each, has significant value. While the precise sale price has not been publicly disclosed, a four-bedroom property on a similarly sized block in the vicinity recently sold for over $3.6 million in April 2025, providing a strong indication of the land’s market worth. The proceeds from the sale are earmarked for the council’s future fund, intended to finance infrastructure projects.
Community Opposition and Personal Stories
The council received 44 submissions regarding the proposed sale, with the majority publicly opposing the decision. The emotional weight of these submissions is palpable. One participant poignantly stated, “Don’t sell it, it’s my favourite place in the whole world.” Another poignant comment from a worker read, “Don’t take this from them. They have nothing else in their lives but each other.”
The ramifications extend beyond the individuals attending the centre. Several family members have expressed concerns about their ability to continue working, fearing they may have to reduce their hours or stop altogether to care for their loved ones. The stress of finding suitable alternative services adds another layer of anxiety to an already challenging situation.
Deirdre McNally, a local resident, voiced her wish for the centre to remain as it is. However, she expressed hope that if its use were to change, it could be repurposed as a community centre. “To sell off something like this just to make money is just a slap in the face,” McNally commented.
Steven Lambert, Mecwacare’s executive director of client experience and growth, confirmed that the council had offered Mecwacare the opportunity to purchase the land. However, the organisation’s capital resources were “fully committed elsewhere,” leading them to decline the offer.
Mayor Melina Sehr of Stonnington stated that the council had thoroughly explored a range of options, including potential avenues to support the continuation of services at Fisher Street. She clarified that there was no proposal to increase Mecwacare’s rent, as the provider had already indicated an “intention” to transfer the service to another external organisation. This suggests a complex interplay of financial constraints, service provider intentions, and council strategic priorities, all contributing to the difficult decision that will undoubtedly reshape the lives of many.
