The Federal Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells MP has announced a new provider to deliver meals to older residents in Whitehorse. Importantly, the new Whitehorse Meals on Wheels will continue to be more than just a meal.
Volunteers will continue to be an integral part of the meals service, along with social contact. This decision recognises the importance of regular contact with a friendly face and local community connections, as well as nutritious meals.
The new provider of the service in Whitehorse will pilot a program under the auspice of the . This is an initiative of the Commonwealth Government that recognises the value and importance of social connection in meals services. The provider is Newcastle Meals on Wheels, and it aim to preserve and enhance the current model of service that is supported by volunteers in our community. The local delivery will be known as Whitehorse Meals on Wheels.
Whitehorse City Council Mayor, Cr Mark Lane said, “We are thrilled that the meals provider appointed by the Commonwealth brings the same commitment to social connection and volunteer involvement that Council has facilitated until now. Council is already working in partnership with Whitehorse Meals on Wheels to support a successful implementation and smooth transition for our clients by 30 June 2023. We are proud that Whitehorse is one of the first sites under this model, with a view to demonstrating that different levels of government, service providers and community volunteers can work together for great outcomes for our valued older residents.”
The Commonwealth Government funds in-home aged care services including meals. These services are contracted out to providers. Whitehorse City Council will no longer be one of these providers from July 2023, but is working hard to support continuity of high quality service as clients transition to new service providers, such as Whitehorse Meals on Wheels.
What’s next?
Council is contacting our current Meals on Wheels clients and volunteers to keep them informed and to seek the information we need to help them through a smooth transition to the new operator.
They don’t need to do anything until they’ve received their letter in the next week or two.
Interested in volunteering?
Anyone interested in volunteering with the new Whitehorse Meals on Wheels can subscribe or contact 1800 718 326 to register their interest.
Council cannot share information about Whitehorse volunteers with the new provider so it is important that interested volunteers contact the new provider directly.
Other in-home services and social supports
Council is pleased that new providers for the other aged care services have also been announced. This group of providers will provide comprehensive coverage of the services Council has provided until now. It is encouraging that these providers are already providing services in Melbourne’s east. We also appreciate that there are providers who are dedicated to serving clients in a way that reflects their cultural background.
Our clients will receive letters shortly with more details on the service types each of the providers will be offering and explaining the next steps, the letter will also ask clients for their preferences. They do not need to take any action until they receive this letter.
The list below identifies the new service providers that have been appointed by the Commonwealth.
Who are the new service providers?
- Link Community Transport Inc.
- Health Ability formerly Carrington Health
- Uniting AgeWell Limited
- Fronditha Care
- Australian Multicultural Community Services
- Access Health & Community
