GANNAWARRA Shire Council has officially decided to withdraw as an approved aged and disability services provider from the end of October.
Council resolved at its June meeting to begin transitioning out of the services, ending an association with this sector that began when Gannawarra Shire was three separate municipalities.
Council chief executive Geoff Rollinson said council was proud to have provided aged and disability services to residents for the past 35 years.
He said that had enabled residents to enjoy a quality of life while at home.
“Over the years these services have expanded to include WorkCover and TAC clients, then grew in 2019 when we became an accredited National Disability Insurance Scheme provider,” Mr Rollinson said.
“The planned introduction of the Federal Government’s new Support at Home program, which is part of its National Reform of Aged Care, will combine the Commonwealth Home Support Program and other aged care programs.
“This has resulted in Gannawarra Shire, like many other councils across the region, to consider its future role in aged and disability service delivery.”
Since March, council has had discussions with the federal and state governments, as well as local not-for-profit providers, regarding the future of aged and disability services in the municipality, with those levels of government to determine new providers to deliver services within the municipality.
“The federal and state governments are responsible for the selection and appointment of any new provider of services, with Council in regular contact with relevant departments to ensure a smooth transition of services,” Mr Rollinson said.
Gannawarra-based Northern District Community Health has confirmed its interest in delivering the services.
In a statement, NDCH said it understood the decision regarding the selection of aged care providers for the continued delivery of aged care and disability services would be made by the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments.
“NDCH see this as an opportunity to confirm our deep commitment to local community health and aged care outcomes, and strengthen our undertaking to providing integrated, quality care to older people and people with disability across our community now and into the future,” the community health service said.
“We wish to deliver locally-based, responsive quality aged and disability services under current program and funding arrangements.
“NDCH has strong placed-based connections to the rural communities we serve, reinforced through the delivery of services, supports and initiatives over 32 years.
“We are committed to the people living in our community and to supporting the availability of local services that are needed to support people to remain living confidently and safely in their home and community.”
NDCH said if unsuccessful, it would continue to support and grow the local workforce.
“If NDCH is appointed, we hope to attract the current workforce employed by council, through our values aligned commitment to community, and as a respected local employer, providing attractive workforce arrangements and benefits,” it said.
Council has announced a community care services information roadshow this month, to help current and prospective clients learn about the service’s transition.
More information online at www.gsc.vic.gov.au/CommunityCare
INFORMATION SESSIONS
Monday, July 17:
10am-11.30am at Kerang Senior Citizens clubrooms
Tuesday, July 18:
9.30am-11am at Barook Senior Citizens Centre, Koondrook
11.30am-1pm at Cohuna community meeting room
2.30pm-4pm at Leitchville Memorial Hall
Tuesday, July 25:
9.30am-11am at Lake Charm Hall
noon-1.30pm at Murrabit Hall
Thursday, July 27:
9.30am-11am at Quambatook Senior Citizens Hall
11.30am-1pm at Lalbert Recreation Reserve
