Grow our capabilities to empower people with disability to achieve independence while fostering the culture of inclusion for everyone.
Our core philosophy is that people with disability should have the same opportunities in life that those without disability have and we undertake our work with compassion, not sympathy. We focus on ability – “what people can do” rather than what people cannot do. We expect professionalism (in work) and respect (in life) from and for our supported employees and participants.
Safety: we uphold safety behaviours and attitudes
Integrity: we are honest, fair and speak up
Respect: we value and listen to each other
Accountability: we are responsible for our own actions and outcomes
The Moorabbin Association for the Intellectually Handicapped was established under the auspices of the Service Clubs of the City of Moorabbin with the aim of establishing and maintaining a Day Training Centre for children with intellectual disability in Moorabbin and surrounding districts.
The initial investigation of the needs for such a centre took place in early 1970s when the Apex Club of Bentleigh convened a public meeting of all persons in the area interested in the welfare of the mentally disabled. From there the idea blossomed, initially with Apex as its only promoter, but later with enormous financial assistance from the Apex Club of Oakleigh, the Rotary Club of Moorabbin and Moorabbin chapter of Jaycees International.
The Moorabbin Association for the Intellectually Handicapped was formally constituted on 6 July 1972, chaired by Mayor Cr. G. Basterfield at the Moorabbin Town Hall. This was led by Bentleigh Apex Club (Club 562 Zone 12 District 8), the Rotary Club of Moorabbin and Moorabbin chapter of Jaycees International.
Pledges of assistance were made by the Lions Clubs of Bentleigh and Moorabbin and substantial assistance was received in the form of private donations. We were registered in 1972 with Hospitals & Charities Commission as a registered charity. We received a commitment from government of a building subsidy of $4 for every dollar raised by the association. Other government support included the provision of trained teachers, taxi transport to and from the centre, initial purchase of equipment and other day to day running costs. This was a unique community partnership model ahead of its time.
In 1974 Apex raised $25,000 with the balance from a government grant from Department of Health, which enabled the organisation to purchase the former maternity hospital at 1 Anne Street, McKinnon, which was owned by the Moorabbin Council for $99,000. The "Whitehouse" became the Day Training Centre for the MAIH.
In 1975, Allan T. Marriott, a long-time resident and member of the Rotary Club of Moorabbin, worked tirelessly to assist the organisation in purchasing five properties.
In 1982 a submission was made to the Commonwealth Government for funding to build a new Marriott House on the site of the five properties. After receiving grants from the Commonwealth Government, the Committee of Management was able to erect a purpose-designed building on the four sites in Wheatley Road, alongside the one being used as an adult unit.
The architect was Bill Marshall, a member of the Rotary Club of Moorabbin, and a great deal of community consultation was undertaken in developing the design where a purpose-built facility known as the Community Hub was opened by Sir Brian Murray, the Governor of Victoria, on 22 September 1985. Since then, Marriott Support Services has steadily grown in providing opportunities for people with intellectual disability across south-eastern areas of Melbourne.
In 1989, the organisation established its first social enterprise called Garden Mates, which has evolved and expanded across Melbourne and into Gippsland is now known as Enviro Management Services. Marriott’s first factory was purchased in 1992 in Teton Court, Highett as an operating base for Garden Force, facilities management services, wood products and other employment services for people with disability.
In 1999, the organisation officially changed its name to Marriott Support Services with the association becoming a company limited by guarantee. Marriott and Search Association merged in 2007, adding other social enterprises with a small commercial laundry, second cycle children’s wear, Taylor Street Deli and catering, Drivetrain and Employment Options.
A new factory at 56 Keys Road Cheltenham was purchased in 2007 and officially opened on 31 October 2008 by The Hon. Bill Shorten, MP Parliamentary Secretary for Disability & Children’s Services.
In 2010, Teton Court closed and Vocational Links moved to Keys Road while the JS Flynn Pty Ltd tree pruning business was purchased and added to the EMS social enterprise portfolio.
In 2011, funding was received from DHS and Glen Eira Council to ensure the new GESAC facility fully caters for people with disability as well as providing training and support to GESAC staff, ensuring an accepting and inclusive culture.
In May 2022, Marriott celebrated its 10-year partnership with Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (GESAC). We have worked with the City of Glen Eira Council in designing and implementing disability access and utilisation at their facility. The collaboration has resulted in the establishment of a dedicated sensory room at GESAC to provide a quiet retreat space for people with disability.
Marriott has continued to deliver support services for people with intellectual disability and Autism across south-eastern areas of Melbourne through day services, our Roads to Independence program, employment pathways and support coordination.
The organisation has built its capabilities in establishing and growing its social enterprises that provide supported employment, training and skills development. Marriott is a person-focused supported workplace operating commercially with a clear purpose – “through employment, we provide opportunities for people with disability and those socially disadvantaged to thrive and enhance their lives.”
©Marriott Support Services. All rights reserved