Health Minister announces extra funding for Home and Community Care programs

12/07/01
Home and Community Care (HACC) programs throughout Western Australia will receive an extra $6.685 million to upgrade programs and develop new services.
Health Minister Bob Kucera said the additional grants would bring to $89.9 million the total made available in State and Commonwealth funding to the HACC program.
HACC funding supports community-based programs which offer home-based care for the elderly and young disabled people.
Mr Kucera said the increase reinforced the State Government's commitment to providing improved community services.
"The additional funding recognises the high quality of existing services that require continued support," he said.
"As well as providing for an increase in the level and diversity of services across the regions, additional funds have targeted the specific needs of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
"The importance of carer support and respite services have also been recognised through this funding round."
Mr Kucera said capital funding would be provided to support the purchase of replacement vehicles, new buildings and equipment to enhance the capacity of HACC organisations to support individuals at home.
The additional funds will fund seven new projects and support more than 160 existing programs across WA.
Metropolitan projects being funded include:

• Canning Multicultural Respite Services (approximately $218,000);
• Armadale-based Home Help organisations ($177,000);
• Mercy Community Services ($200,000);
• Volunteer Task Force ($148,000);
• Chung Wah Association ($150,000);
• Perth Home Care Services (more than $380,000); and
• Rockingham Respite and Support Service and the Home Support Service ($627,000).

Regional projects being funded include:

• Narrogin Home and Community Care ($157,000);
• Albany Lions Community Care ($133,000);
• Broome HACC ($150,000);
• Kimberley Remote Aged Care Services ($100,000); and
• Pilbara Community Options programs run by Pilbara Homecare ($200,000). This grant includes funding to establish Aboriginal community HACC services in the Western Desert.

The $89.9 million in total funding for Western Australian Home and Community Care is made up of $35.3 million from the State Government and $54.6 million from the Federal Government.
Media contacts:
Fran Robb (Minister's office) 9213 7000
Charles Amery (Health Department) 9222 4048