An additional $180,000 to help Hunter residents remain independent, in their homes and in their communities
Media Release
The Hon Greg Combet AM MP
Federal Member for Charlton
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science
Minister Assisting the Minister for Climate Change
7 December 2009
Greg Combet, Member for Charlton today announced an additional $180,000 for Home and Community Care (HACC) services.
HACC is a joint Australian and NSW Government initiative that delivers affordable and accessible care to help meet the individual needs of older people, people with a disability and their carers.
It includes help with household chores, home maintenance and modification, transport, meals, personal care and allied health and nursing care.
The $180,000 provided to community care organisations is part of a $12 million package. The Rudd Government contributed $7 million and the New South Wales Government is contributing $5 million. This takes the total annual investment in HACC services in New South Wales this year to $586 million – an increase of more than seven per cent on last year.
The package provides financial support for HACC projects including:
Home Modifications Lake Macquarie/Newcastle $41,000
Lake Macquarie Community Transport – Mercy Community Services $50,000
Newcastle/Lake Macquarie Dementia Advisory Service $45,500
Jesmond Neighbour Aid Service $45,000
“People want to remain independent, in their own homes and communities, close to family and friends for as long as they can,” Mr Combet said.
“This funding will help many people stay at home rather than move prematurely into residential care.”
“These services provide the practical assistance that many older Australians need.”
“Home and community care services are important to local residents who need a little bit of help at home.
“I’ve seen the benefits this program delivers in our community. It makes a real difference to the lives of people in our community who need help with everyday living,” Mr Combet said.
In 2009-10 the HACC program will receive $1.9 billion in funding nationally, with almost $1.2 billion of this contributed by the Rudd Government.