Mildura Rural City Council is holding a series of in-person consultation sessions next week to provide information and listen to the community one-on-one about Council's proposed transition out of aged and disability service delivery.
Councillors in January this year made an in-principle decision to transition out of aged care due to major reforms introduced to the sector by the Australian Government.
Mildura Mayor Liam Wood said the government's reforms, which would be felt throughout the local government aged care sector, would require dramatic changes to the way the current service operates, impacting on workforce, governance, quality, safety and cost.
"Ultimately, the decision we made in January was driven by the need to ensure our community continues to receive the best of care, including under the very different framework planned by the Australian Government," Cr Wood said.
"It's also important to note that there will be no immediate change to the services our valuable clients are currently receiving."
Consultation sessions will be held at the following locations and dates:
Tuesday 5 April - Mallee Track
10am - 11am
Murrayville Senior Citizen's Building
Gray Street, Murrayville
Midday - 1pm
Underbool Bowling Club Clubrooms
Reservoir Road, Underbool
2.30pm - 3.30pm
Ouyen Council Service Centre Meeting Room
Oke Street, Ouyen
Wednesday 6 April – Mildura and Red Cliffs
10am - 11am
Benetook Room – Alfred Deakin Centre, Mildura
12.30pm – 1.30pm
Red Cliffs Seniors Club
Ilex Street, Red Cliffs
2.30pm – 3.30pm
Benetook Room – Alfred Deakin Centre, Mildura
Next week's community consultation sessions follow an earlier online open community forum last month, as well as direct correspondence with all existing aged care clients.
"It was great to see the number of people who participated in last month's online forum as we need as many people in our community as possible to firstly be aware of the proposed changes, but more importantly, have an opportunity to let us know their thoughts," Cr Wood said.
Council's current contracts to deliver the Australian Government's Commonwealth Home Support Program end in June 2023, at which point clients will transition to the government's new Support at Home program.
The Mayor said Council would continue delivering aged care services right up to the end of the current contract in June next year.
Should a decision be made to exit out of Aged Care services, Council will work closely with the State and Australian Governments – and new providers – to ensure a smooth transition for staff and clients.
"This would be a controlled and considered process, and our clients and staff will remain our highest priorities throughout any transition. All parties will be kept fully informed during this time," Cr Wood said.
