In a huge boost for aged care home support within the region two new providers have been identified to take over activities historically managed by Bundaberg Regional Council.
In May this year Council announced it would transition out of the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) ahead of significant changes to legislation which would impact Council’s capacity to continue the services.
Council had been a provider of CHSP services for more than 25 years, funded through the Australian Government through programs including Gracie Dixon Centre (Bundaberg), Isis Community Care (Childers), Childers Meals on Wheels and Kolan Community Options (Gin Gin).
Mayor Helen Blackburn said, through a collaborative transition plan, supported by the Department of Social Services, new providers had been identified.
From 1 October 2025 Bundaberg and District Meals on Wheels Incorporated will take over meal delivery services in Childers.
Meanwhile, Comlink Australia Limited will take over the much-loved Gracie Dixon respite service and other services including:
- Domestic assistance
- Group social support
- Home maintenance and repairs
- Home or community general respite
- Individual social support
- Personal care
- Transport
Council is now working with Comlink to negotiate a lease of the Gracie Dixon centre building to allow the service to continue in that location.
“This is wonderful news for our region because it means that no services to our residents will be reduced or interrupted and, long term, they will be delivered by organisations which focus on and specialise in this field,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“These are important services to our community and news that Council would transition away from this service understandably caused some community concern however I am confident this news will allay any fears supporters and users of these programs may have had.
“This was not a cost-cutting decision for Council it was about making sure our focus remained on the Local Government services which we are here to deliver for our community and aged care is not one of them.
“Council was the recipient of Federal Government funding which covered the provision of these services and that money will stay in our region and be provided to these specialised organisations.”
Comlink honoured to continue Gracie Dixon
As a not-for-profit organisation with more than 35 years’ experience in supporting older Australians, Comlink Australia is committed to ensuring the continuation of high-quality care and support services in the Bundaberg Region.
CEO Liam Mayo said this included continuing to run Gracie Dixon, which played an important role in providing social connection, respite and wellbeing opportunities for seniors and their families.
“Our mission has always been to help older Australians live happier, healthier and more connected lives,” he said.
“We are honoured to work with the Bundaberg community and continue the services that clients know and value.
“We look forward to building on this strong foundation and supporting older Australians to live well, close to home.”
Comlink Australia will work closely with Bundaberg Regional Council to ensure a smooth transition of services and to provide reassurance and continuity of care for clients and their families.
Seamless transition ensures meal delivery
The Childers Meals on Wheels service will be delivered by Bundaberg Meals on Wheels moving forward and Business Manager Jessica Greenaway said the team was proud to extend its support.
“Over the past two weeks we’ve been in Childers, meeting with clients, volunteers and local stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition and to listen to what matters most to them,” she said.
“We greatly appreciate the support we have received from Council and the volunteers who play such a vital role in making this service possible.
“This transition will not only ensure meal delivery continues without interruption but also introduces expanded food options and greater access for Home Care Package and NDIS clients who require meal delivery.
“We look forward to supporting Childers residents with the same care and commitment that we bring to all of our communities.”
