Former Murrindindi Shire Support Officer Lesley Bebbington has delivered a blast to the Council and its CEO, Craig Lloyd, over the changes to support services for local aged and disabled residents.

In a letter to the editor of The Local Paper, Ms Bebbington, takes aim at the community services set-up in effect since January 1.

“As of December 31, 2019, I and my co-workers were made redundant from our positions as Community Support Officers for Murrindindi Shire,” Ms Bebbington said.

“For clients and staff alike the patronising, box ticking consultation process in which were engaged was protracted , engendered false hope and resulted in confusion and emotional turmoil.

“Lack of up to date information for both clients and support officers caused a great deal of anxiety.

“We were informed at a meeting in November that the new provider would reduce the number of staff providing services in Murrindindi Shire to over 400 clients – Kinglake and Yea alone would be cut from 11 to 7 workers, similarily the cuts to Alexandra and Eildon signifigant, leaving me to question if service delivery hours can even be met.

“January 8, 2020: It is now the end of the first week since changeover – I personally have received several calls from clients who have no idea when their service will be delivered, they have not been contacted by the new provider with rosters and workers names, some clients not receiving their service at all, others clients have had their service time shortened.

“It is unacceptable that the most vulnerable people in Murrindindi are victim to poor processes, the handover lacking an understanding of the clients, their capacity and their needs.

“CEO Craig Loyd stated on more than one occasion, during this process, that the withdrawal of Aged and Disability Service delivery would be better for everyone.

“The Shire had in my opinion decided to withdraw prior to the consultation stating that they could not be guaranteed funding in a competitive market against non-government organisations, we will never know.

“For over nine months we were assured that the Shire was working with the new provider to ensure a smooth transition with little or no impact to clients, showing a disregard for the relationships forged between carers and clients.

“Like has often been said “the proof is in the pudding”. Less staff, lower wages, higher cost to clients , the privatisation of Community Services has shown to be at the detriment of those they propose to support.

“It is a sad to realise that high quality care is not the main focus for service delivery.


“In closing I would say to CEO Craig Lloyd that no, Mr Lloyd, this process is definitely not better for everyone. Perhaps the Shire’s coffers will benefit but it is certainly not better for the people who have been victim to this mismanaged transition, the impacts of this decision, are far reaching and long lasting.

“My heartfelt wish is that ultimately our clients’ wellbeing will be the priority,” Ms Bebbington said.