News

Home support services in Benalla to be overseen by three providers

By Simon Ruppert

May 30, 2022

Support: Three care providers have been contracted to take over the delivery of in-home care services for older people and people with a disability in Benalla. Photo by Rodney Braithwaite

Calvary Community Care, Community Accessability and Gateway Health have been contracted to deliver in-home care services for older people and people with a disability in Benalla.

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This announcement, from the Federal and state governments, follows Benalla Rural City Council’s decision in 2021 to exit delivering these services from July 1, 2022.

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 councils across the state to consider how they can best meet the needs of their community.

The Commonwealth and state government are the ultimate decision-makers who have undertaken due diligence and determined the appointment of the new providers in time for the council to exit service delivery: an announcement that is warmly welcomed by Benalla 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.

Calvary Community Care with Community Accessability will be taking on all CHSP programs including home and community support programs targeting people aged over 65, or over 55 for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people.

Both providers have collectively delivered a range of home care support services in Victoria for many years, including for people in Shepparton, Wangaratta and Wodonga.

Gateway Health will be providing the HACC PYP program, which includes home and community support programs for people aged 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 of primary health and welfare services across north-east Victoria and parts of southern New South Wales.

Benalla Rural City Mayor Bernie Hearn said when the new service providers commenced on July 1, the council would continue to remain a strong advocate for the community.

“(We) will continue to plan for the health and wellbeing of our older people and people with a disability,” Cr Hearn said.

“Council congratulates the new providers, all of whom currently have a presence in Benalla, and we look forward to working with Calvary, Community Accessability and Gateway Health in supporting the smooth transition of our clients to these services.”

Community drop-in information sessions will be conducted at the Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop Learning Centre, Benalla Library, on: