Noble Park Home and Community Care recipient Giovanna De Nadai (left) with carer Lawyer Falute, council’s aged and disability services manager Mary Rydberg, and Mulgrave MP Daniel Andrews after last week’s announcement of $600,000 HACC funding for Greater Dandenong council.By Shaun Inguanzo
GREATER Dandenong’s elderly and disabled residents are set to benefit from an injection of Home and Community Care funds of more than $600,000, announced last week by the State Government.
Mulgrave MP Daniel Andrews announced last week that funding would reach $1.29 million for both Greater Dandenong and Monash, with Greater Dandenong council receiving $600,000 for its HACC services, and a variety of other community-based groups receiving smaller grants.
He said the money was derived from the growth funding allocated in the 2005/06 State Budget – funds in reserve for emerging issues or needs.
“It will help frail older people and those with disabilities to remain active and socially connected, in keeping with the Bracks Government’s commitment to maximise older people’s independence,” he said.
City of Greater Dandenong aged and disability services manager Mary Rydberg said the funding would allow council to continue supporting its home care and meals on wheels services.
“Carers and meals on wheels volunteers also provide company and support,” she said. “Home care helps residents maintain a safe, secure, healthy home environment which enables older people to live independently.
“Obviously on-going funding is needed for the services to continue so additional funding by the State Government is welcomed.”
