Murrindindi Shire Council and Menzies Support Services have partnered up to help the community understand upcoming changes to aged and disability care services.

Free information sessions about the National Disability Insurance Scheme and the federal government’s National Aged Care Reform, will be held across Murrindindi Shire, including at:

” Alexandra – Tuesday, July 3 from 2pm-4pm at the Alexandra RSL

” Marysville – Thursday, July 5 from 2pm-4pm at the Vibe Hotel Marysville

” Yea – Tuesday, July 10 from 6pm-8pm at the Yea Shire Chambers

” Kinglake – Tuesday, July 10 from 2pm-4pm at the Kinglake Community Centre

Murrindindi Shire Council Community Services Portfolio Councillor Sandice McAulay said this is a period of significant change for the Australian aged and disability sector.

“As a result of the federal government’s National Aged Care Reform and the roll out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), there will be changes to the way community care services are managed and delivered,” Cr McAulay said.

“These changes aim to improve the choices available to people and help them access the services they need.

“To ensure the sector remains progressive as well as sustainable in light of Australia’s ageing population, the changes also aim to improve the coordination of services and introduce new funding models.

“Aged and disability services available are shaped significantly by state and federal policy and funding, as a result, it can be quite a confusing area to navigate. That’s why Council and Menzies Support Services are working together to run a number of community information sessions which explain these changes and how people can be prepared.

“There’s nothing more important to us at Council than ensuring the health and wellbeing of everyone in our community and we want to make sure everyone who needs help understands what services they’re entitled to and how they can access them.

“These information sessions will be split sessions, so you have the option of attending only the part that’s relevant to you, though of course you are most welcome at both.  The first half of each session will be dedicated to the NDIS as presented by the Menzies Support Services. The second half will be a presentation from Council on the National Aged Care Reform.”

For more information or to RSVP, phone Murrindindi Shire Council on 5772 0333. Parents and caregivers are welcome to bring children to the session.

– Contributed