FOLLOWING the redundancy of 39 Southern Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) employees in June this year, when the Western District Health Service (WDHS) was appointed to take over Council’s aged and disability services, WDHS is now supporting over 30 new staff and 370 customers as the transition continues, with a range of jobs on offer for qualified staff.

Significant reforms had been introduced in the aged and disability services industry that had made it increasingly difficult for SGSC to meet new requirements without significant change and increased costs passed onto clients.

The Commonwealth Government notified the SGSC in June 2022 of its decision to appoint WDHS as the new provider of aged and disability services after the SGSC decided at an ordinary meeting in March to cease delivering the services through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).

The home support and community-based services for clients over 65 years will fully transition to WDHS by October 1.

The Home and Community Care Program for Younger People (HACC PYP), which supported those under 65 years, transitioned on June 30.

SGSC mayor, Bruach Colliton, said in June, that the decision to appoint a Hamilton-based provider would ensure continuity of service and economic benefits remained in the region.

He said while Council’s focus throughout the transition had been on the wellbeing of clients and supporting staff, it had also worked closely with WDHS to support the hospital in its recruitment of skilled aged care workers.

“From the very beginning, Council has been committed to finding the best possible solution for the ongoing delivery of aged care services for our community,” mayor Colliton said.

“The Commonwealth Government appointed WDHS to take over the service, and as a local provider, we know they are well placed to understand and fulfil the needs of our community.

“As a part of the process to transition the service from Council to WDHS, Council has supported its impacted staff with several information sessions.

“During these discussions, staff have identified their desire to either retire, seek other opportunities in Council, or apply for new employment in the aged care service at WDHS.

“WDHS are now recruiting skilled Community Support Workers, so I encourage anyone who has ever considered a career in aged care to contact WDHS for more information on how you can join the team.”

WDHS chief executive, Rohan Fitzgerald, said the Health Service was doing its very best to recruit to these important frontline roles.

“Although this is in one of the tightest labour markets in the last 50 years, we have made considerable progress with our recruitment campaign,” he said.

“As one of the largest employers and providers of aged care services in the region, WDHS is well placed to deliver these programs.

“We have a strong track record of supporting our community, and this program fits well with our strategic vision of ‘creating Australia’s healthiest rural community’.”

Mr Fitzgerald said he recently had the pleasure of meeting with SGSC staff interested in transitioning across to WDHS. 

“I was impressed by their commitment and dedication to their customers and openness to working through the change process,” he said.

“There is always uncertainty with change, and we understand some customers might be a little anxious about the future.

“Even though there are some challenges, I am sure we will overcome these, as we have done in the past. 

“We are looking forward to this new chapter and supporting to transition to WDHS.

“This is not a small undertaking and has required the skill of a dedicated team working behind the scenes at WDHS and Council.

“Thank you to those who are supporting the transition process.

“The planning and structures that have been put in place give me great confidence that the program will be a success.”

Community Support Worker positions are currently being advertised on the WDHS website, to deliver high-quality aged care services to vulnerable residents across the region.

To learn more, or to apply for one of the positions on offer, candidates can visit wdhs.net