Funding Supports National Rollout of Neighbourhood Hub

The success of a local community support and friendship organisation will be shared across the nation, thanks to a $42,000 grant from the Turnbull Government.Minister for Aged Care, Ken Wyatt AM, said the Sydney-based Waverton Hub was an outstanding example of how communities can support older Australians and combat social isolation."I’ve experienced first-hand the warmth and camaraderie of the Waverton Hub and I’m proud to support the replication of this unique model across the country," said Minister Wyatt."Already, more than 30 communities have expressed interest in the Hub model and this grant will help the founders share their expertise widely and encourage the development of new hubs."The Waverton Hub model has also attracted international interest, with a number of seniors’ communities in New Zealand indicating their intention to apply the model locally."The Waverton Hub has just celebrated five years of helping the older residents of Waverton, Wollstonecraft and neighbouring areas of Sydney."The Hub works to constantly engage and reinvigorate older locals and is run by 80 of its contributing members," Minister Wyatt said."As well as almost daily activities, Hub members look out for each other and connect their colleagues to the services they need."Minister Wyatt said the Hub’s philosophy reflected the aims of the Turnbull Government’s More Choices For A Longer Life package, part of the Budget’s $5 billion boost for aged care over five years."Giving older Australians more choice, more certainty and supporting projects to help keep them connected with their communities is a top priority," said the Minister.