Staff and clients of the Gracie Dixon Centre will enjoy a smooth transition as Bundaberg Regional Council prepares to lease the first floor of the much-loved respite centre to Comlink Australia.
The decision to transfer the lease of the first floor of the Woondooma Street building was made in Council’s 30 September Council meeting.
The day program in Childers will continue to operate from the Childers Neighbourhood Centre on Wednesdays and Fridays with Comlink continuing to hire the respite room.
At the same meeting Council also resolved to enter into negotiations with Comlink to purchase the Council fleet assets formerly assigned to the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).
All services will continue across Childers and Gin Gin.
In May this year Council announced it would transition out of the CHSP ahead of significant changes to legislation which would impact its capacity to continue the services.
Mayor Helen Blackburn said, with the support of the Department of Social Services, the collaborative transition plan had resulted in positive outcomes for all involved.
“It’s a fantastic outcome for the community, a fantastic outcome for Council and it really does mean that there will be longevity in Gracie Dixon,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“We’re really happy that Comlink has been chosen by the government to be the next providers of the CHSP services that we have been providing to the community.
“It’s important that everyone understands that there will be no changes in the services provided to the aged community within our region.”
High quality care and support services
With more than 35 years’ experience in aged care support nationally, Comlink Australia is committed to ensuring the continuation of high-quality support services in the Bundaberg Region.
Along with taking over the Gracie Dixon respite service and transport requirements, Comlink will also offer services including:
- Domestic assistance
- Group social support
- Home maintenance and repairs
- Home or community general respite
- Individual social support
- Personal care
Extended Meals on Wheels support in Childers
Council’s collaborative CHSP transition plan also includes new providers for the Childers Meals on Wheels services, with Bundaberg Meals on Wheels to deliver the service moving forward.
The transition will ensure continued service delivery without disruption to clients as well as expanded food options and greater access for Home Care Package and NDIS clients requiring meal delivery.
