Community Care building movement under consideration

No formal decision has been made however, Gilgandra Shire Council’s general manager David Neeves says that there are many options are under consideration. This consideration comes after the federal government’s royal commission into aged care.

“In response to the final report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the Australian government will be creating a new single ‘Support at Home Program’,” said Mr Neeves.

“This is replacing the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program, Short-Term Restorative Care Programme (STRC), and residential respite programs. The changes come into effect from July 2023.”

The new program aims to address the royal commission’s recommendations to support senior Australians to stay in their homes for longer.

“As a proud service provider of CHSP and the HCP, Meals on Wheels and Community Transport, council has undertaken a review of how we can better deliver the services into the future,” said Mr Neeves.

As part of the review, council identified an opportunity to create a single point of contact for all community members when enquiring about the range of aged care services on offer, according to Mr Neeves.

“In doing so council is also investigating how to get better administration synergies and improve and grow the services offered.

“Currently we offer services like Meals on Wheels and Community Transport from Community Care building in Miller Street and Home Care packages from Jack Towney Hostel.

“As part of this review, we are looking to achieve service delivery improvements by having these services managed by a central point.

“Council is considering how best to amalgamate the administrative processes and how best to continue the service into the future. While a number of options are under consideration, no formal decision has been made, including an option to relocate from the Community Care building in Miller Street.”

Mr Neeves wanted to express that volunteers are valued in delivering of services.

“Volunteers are an integral part of the delivery of Meals on Wheel and Community Transport. Accessibility and convenience will be considered as part of this review for volunteers and those that access these key services.

“We want to ensure we can respond to changes and implement better process for all concerned,” he said.