HACC funding announced

The Peninsula Community Centre in Woy Woy is expected to receive State and Federal Government funding support for a range of projects to help local residents remain independent in their homes and communities.

The joint funding initiative will see $121,700 go towards improving the facilities of the Home and Community Care service on the Peninsula.

Funding will provide $30,718 for the installation of a security system at the Peninsula Community Centre Case Management, Dementia Day Care and Meals on Wheels as well as $4800 to provide four six-week education programs to promote wellness and decrease the risk of falls and $4080 for a Dinner Together project to provide opportunities for carers to socialise with the people they care for as a husband, wife or partner - not in the role as carer.

Funding will also provide two carers' retreats and $13,500 for the Tuckerbox project which assists people who are still able to cook their own food, but require help to purchase ingredients and prepare meals.

"Home and Community Care services provide the practical assistance that many older Australians need to complete day-to-day tasks," Member for Robertson Ms Belinda Neal said.

"This funding will help many people continue to live in their own homes and communities, close to family and friends, rather than move prematurely into residential care.

"I've seen the real difference that the services delivered through this program makes to the daily lives of people on the Central Coast."

Member for Gosford Ms Marie Andrews said the HACC was a joint initiative between the State and Federal Governments that delivered affordable and accessible community care to help meet the individual needs of older people as well as people with a disability and their carers.

"Our local community will benefit a great deal from the projects that this additional funding will provide," Ms Andrews said.

Press release, 31 May 2010 Belinda Neal, Member for Robertson Marie Andrews, Member for Gosford