Staff, clients consulted regarding Community Care services future

Published on 22 May 2023

Gannawarra Shire Council is considering ceasing operations as an approved Aged and Disability Services provider, and is seeking input from clients, staff and volunteers.

At the March 2023 Meeting, Council resolved to work through options within the Community Care Business Plan to secure the future of Aged and Disability Services within the Gannawarra. Council has held discussions with the Federal and State Government, as well as local not-for-profit providers, regarding the future of its Community Care Services.

“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,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.

“Northern District Community Health, a Gannawarra-based not-for-profit health service, have expressed a desire to take on the delivery of Community Care services in the Gannawarra, should Council choose to cease providing these services.

“It is important to note that there is no immediate change to Council’s service delivery, with Council committed to supporting our clients, staff and volunteers.”

To assist Council in making a final decision in June 2023, clients, staff and volunteers will have the opportunity to give feedback, with all responses received by 8 June 2023 to assist Council with its final decision.

“I encourage all clients and their families to provide feedback and to assist Council with this important decision,” Mr Rollinson said.

For more information regarding the future of Community Care services in the Gannawarra, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/CommunityCare