Five new providers have been awarded contracts by the Commonwealth Government to deliver Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) services across the Mildura Local Government region from 1 July 2023.
The new providers are:
- LiveBetter Services Limited
- integratedliving Australia Ltd.
- Annecto Inc.
- Sunassist Volunteer Helpers Inc.
- Mallee Track Health and Community Service
The appointment of new service providers follows a Council decision in May 2022 to transition out of Aged and Disability Services following a three-month consultation period with staff, clients and the wider community.
The decision was made based on significant Aged Care Industry reforms and the impending introduction of the new Support at Home program in July 2024.
For the past 12 months Council has been working alongside the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments to transition more than 1500 Aged Care clients, across numerous support programs, to new providers.
Sunraysia Community Health Services has been delivering the Home and Community Care – Program for Younger People (HACC-PYP) since February 2023, while Veterans Home Care (VHC) services have been provided by Kirinari Community since late 2022.
Council staff have begun working with CHSP clients, including seeking consent to share personal details with the new providers.
Council will also be facilitating a series of information sessions with new CHSP providers for Council's Aged & Disability Services clients on the following dates:
Wednesday 10 May
10am to midday
Ouyen Council Office - 79 Oke Street, Ouyen
Wednesday 10 May
5pm to 7pm
Irymple Multi-Cultural Seniors Citizen's Centre - Fifteenth Street, Irymple
Thursday 11 May
10am to 1pm
Alfred Deakin Centre Benetook Room - 190 Deakin Avenue, Mildura
Each of the new services and Council will have staff in attendance to answer questions and assist with completing consent forms to choose new provider(s).
Mayor Cr Liam Wood said Council's focus was on supporting a smooth transition to new providers from 1 July 2023.
"Our Aged and Disability staff have been incredible in keeping our clients and wider community up-to-date as information becomes available, while continuing to deliver the services our community expects," he said.
"We look forward to continuing to work with clients and new CHSP providers over the coming weeks to support a smooth transition.
"Our upcoming Expos for Council's Aged & Disability Services clients will provide the perfect opportunity to learn more about the new providers and the services they will be offering.
"They will also have the opportunity to receive assistance from Council staff to complete their consent forms."
Cr Wood said Council will play an active role in advocacy and positive ageing following the transition, in line with Council's Community Health & Wellbeing Plan.
"Council has prided itself on delivering quality Aged and Disability services for more than 40 years," he said. "Our commitment to the industry has not changed despite our change in role."
Current CHSP clients are encouraged to contact Council if they have any questions or concerns regarding the transition process.
