Further to Council's decision in 2021 to exit delivering in-home support services for older people and people with a disability, the Australian and State Governments have announced the appointment of Calvary Community Care, Community Accessability and Gateway Health to deliver services from 1 July 2022 for Benalla Rural City residents.
The services provided by Benalla Rural City Council through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and the State Government's Home and Community Care Program for Younger People (HACC PYP) to be impacted include: domestic assistance, personal care, social support, delivered meals, property maintenance and volunteer transport.
Council's decision to exit delivery of these services was due to significant industry and government reforms, the nature of which did not support Benalla Rural City's continued involvement. The reforms will create a consistent and affordable national program and have encouraged Council's across the state to consider how they can best meet the needs of their community.
The Commonwealth and State Government are the ultimate decision maker who has undertaken its own due diligence and determined the appointment of the new providers in time for Council to exit service delivery – an announcement that is warmly welcomed by the Rural City.
Council has been working closely with all stakeholders to ensure clients can expect the same level of care and dedication they have received from the Benalla Rural City Aged and Disability Care unit over many years.
Positively, Calvary Community Care with Community Accessability will be taking on all CHSP programs including home and community support programs targeting people over 65, or under 55 for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people. Both providers have collectively delivered a range of home care support services in Victoria over many years, including people in Shepparton, Wangaratta and Wodonga.
Gateway Health will be providing the HACC PYP program, which includes home and community support programs for people under 65, or under 55 for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people. As a provider, Gateway Health is also well known in the region for providing a range primary health and welfare services across northeast Victoria and parts of southern New South Wales.
Benalla Rural City Mayor, Cr Bernie Hearn said, "When the new service providers commence on 1 July 2022, Council will continue to remain a strong advocate for our community and will continue to plan for the health and wellbeing of our older people and people with a disability."
"Council congratulates the new providers, all of whom currently have a presence in Benalla, and we look forward to working with Calvary, Community Accessibility and Gateway Health in supporting the smooth transition of our clients to these services," added Cr Hearn.
Community drop-in information sessions will be conducted at the Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop Learning Centre (Benalla Library) on the following days:
▪ Thursday 9 June from 10am to Noon
▪ Friday 10 June from 2pm – 4pm.
