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Benetas appointed as aged care provider for both Baw Baw Shire and Latrobe City starting 1 July 2022

Baw Baw Shire Council's Home Support Program and Home and Community Care Program for Younger People are set to transition to new appointed providers in July 2022.

By news@gippsland - 20th April 2022 - Back to News

Last year, Council made the difficult decision to cease delivering Aged and Disability Services as of 30 June 2022. The decision was the result of significant Federal reforms following the 2018 Royal Commission into the quality and safety of aged care in Australia. The reforms have significantly impacted funding models and local government's suitability for delivering aged and disability services.

Uniting is a community service organisation operating across Victoria and Tasmania and is locally known as Uniting Gippsland

New aged care provider

Council has maintained discussions with both state and federal levels of government throughout the transition period and has received notification from the relevant departments regarding the transition of funding from Baw Baw Shire Council Aged and Disability Services to new providers.

The federal government has selected Benetas as the new provider of Aged Care services within the Commonwealth Home Support Program for people aged over 65 for both Baw Baw Shire and Latrobe City as of 1 July 2022. Benetas is a not-for-profit agency and part of the Anglican Aged Care Group. The state government has appointed Uniting Vic.Tas as the new provider of Home and Community Care Program for Younger People.

Ensuring effective transition

Council is working with both Benetas and Uniting Gippsland to ensure effective transition of services for Commonwealth Home Support Program clients and Home and Community Care Program for Young People clients by 30 June, 2022.

We understand and acknowledge that these changes will result in a period of uncertainty for our
clients, their families, and carers, along with our staff and volunteers, who are valued members of our Aged and Disability Services team.

Residents who currently receive services do not need to do anything. Individual clients will be directly contacted before any changes occur and the council will work with clients to ensure they are supported through the transition.

Supporting resident's wellbeing

At this stage, council is waiting for notification from The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing regarding a provider announcement for the Carers Support Programs (carers of all ages). Council's main priority has always been, and will continue to be, supporting its resident's wellbeing and ensuring their ongoing access to quality aged and disability care providers and services.

Mayor Cr Michael Leaney said, "We support the federal and state government's appointment of Benetas and Uniting Gippsland as the new service provider and are confident in their ability to deliver high-quality care and service for Baw Baw Shire clients. Council will continue to work with all impacted clients, staff and community throughout the transition process to ensure all parties are supported."

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Students, Landcare volunteers and partner organisations have planted native vegetation at Blue Rock Lake, building on fish habitat projects and erosion-control works to strengthen the shoreline and support wildlife.
• Regional Development $750,000 investment expands employment and education support for 120 Latrobe Valley young people through 2028
  The Victorian government is investing a further $750,000 in the Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley Program, supporting 120 young people with employment, education, training and independence opportunities through 2028.
• East Gippsland launches disability network to strengthen community input on council projects, services and decisions
  East Gippsland Shire Council has launched the Disability Network, inviting people with disability, carers and organisations to help shape council decisions through accessible online and in-person community engagement.
• Nationals target Premier Ben Carroll over undelivered Latrobe Valley manufacturing jobs and broken election promises
  The Nationals accused Premier Ben Carroll of failing to deliver 500 promised SEA Electric manufacturing jobs in Morwell, criticising Labor’s Latrobe Valley transition and economic record.
• Martin Cameron seeks government answers over delays threatening Latrobe Magnesium's commercial project and regional investment
  Martin Cameron is pressing the Victorian government over delays affecting Latrobe Magnesium’s commercial project, warning investment and hundreds of Latrobe Valley jobs could be lost.
• Labor announces four new regional early learning centres for 2029, expanding access to kindergarten and long daycare places
  Labor will open four new Early Learning Victoria centres in Alexandra, Drouin, Hamilton and Seymour from 2029, providing more than 400 childcare and kindergarten places across regional Victoria.
• East Gippsland Council begins targeted roadside slashing program to reduce fire risks ahead of approaching fire season
  East Gippsland Shire Council has begun targeted roadside slashing ahead of fire season, prioritising vegetation growth, local conditions and emerging fire risks, with progress updates available online.
• Martin Cameron backs Regional road funding to fix dangerous, neglected Latrobe Valley roads and bridges
  A proposed $288 million Country Roads and Bridges program would give Latrobe City $1.5 million annually for four years to repair and upgrade local roads and bridges.
• East Gippsland Councillors take council in community program to Twin Rivers district for local engagement on 29 September 2026
  East Gippsland Councillors will visit Bruthen, Johnsonville and Metung on September 29, meeting residents and businesses to discuss local priorities, challenges and opportunities through Council’s community engagement program.
• Sale residents urged to safely dispose of hazardous household chemicals at free Detox Your Home event on 10 October 2026
  Wellington Shire residents can safely dispose of unwanted hazardous household chemicals at a free Detox Your Home event in Sale, helping protect waterways, people, animals and the environment.
• Mobile Service Centres bringing government support across South Gippsland communities an August and September
  Australian government Mobile Service Centres will visit 12 South Gippsland communities, offering Medicare, Centrelink, myGov and Veterans’ Affairs assistance, with accessible facilities and Wi-Fi.
• Draft Omeo District Place Plan released for after 10 months of consultation for final community feedback until 2 October 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council has released the draft Omeo District Place Plan for feedback, prioritising health, education, housing, employment, social connection, environmental care and emergency preparedness. Submissions close October 2.
• South Gippsland Council highlights Seniors Festival 2026, road safety projects, community initiatives and other updates across shire
  South Gippsland Shire Council highlights Seniors Festival events, $2.849 million in road safety funding, a new Nyora public toilet, resilience initiatives, community programs and feedback opportunities across the region.
• Warragul Library Centre moves closer with early works starting ahead of major construction and 2028 opening
  Early works for Warragul $30 million Library and Learning Centre will begin next week, preparing the site for construction. The facility will feature library, cultural, meeting and co-working spaces, opening in 2028.
• East Gippsland Council completes initial flood recovery assessments, providing support and referrals to affected residents and businesses
  East Gippsland Shire Council has supported flood-affected residents and businesses through assessments, referrals and waste assistance following October’s severe rainfall, coordinating with emergency services, volunteers and agencies.
• Moe Town Hall seeks resident organisation to activate historic venue through regular community arts programs until 30 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council has opened expressions of interest for an organisation to establish an ongoing residency at Moe Town Hall, delivering regular arts, cultural and community activities while keeping the venue accessible.
• East Gippsland Council seeks community feedback on general local law review before 2027 expiry, submit by 2 October 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its General Local Law review, covering public spaces, safety, amenity and local activities, with consultation open until Friday, October 2.
• Hazelwood North CFA to receive long-awaited new station under Nationals and Liberals' Latrobe Valley infrastructure commitment
  The Nationals and Liberals have pledged a new three-bay Hazelwood North CFA station, replacing inadequate facilities and supporting volunteers through increased regional infrastructure funding.