BETTER AGED CARE SERVICES FOR SENIORS IN PARKES
The $35.3 million multi-purpose services (MPS) program will see 110 aged care sites benefit from minor capital grant projects averaging $321,000 each.
Across the Parkes electorate MPS facilities will receive collectively $2,141,260 as part of the allocations.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the funding represented an essential opportunity for 10 MPS facilities in the Parkes electorate to improve quality care levels.
“This funding is an opportunity for providers to maintain and reinforce the health, safety and wellbeing of residents – and it offers peace-of-mind for families eager to ensure their loved one receives quality care,” Mr Coulton said
The work would include simple improvements such as gardens and pathways to major building renovations.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services Richard Colbeck said the grants provide integrated health and aged care for regional or remote areas.
“We know how important it is for older Australians receiving care to maintain social connections and these services will allow people to stay in these communities, close to their family and friends,” Minister Colbeck said.
Providers of MPS sites will also soon have the opportunity to expand their services, with 100 new residential care places on offer through a competitive allocation round.
“The grant funding and the MPS places round join the Government’s $18.3 billion aged care reform package as part of the Government’s comprehensive response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The Royal Commission recommended the MPS program should be maintained and extended, and $35.3 million in grant funding and a further 100 places in 2022 will do just that.”
The maximum funding available for each individual MPS site is $600,000, with providers also required to contribute at least 20 per cent of the total project costs. Grant funding will be allocated across the 2021–22 and 2022–23 financial years.
The MPS grants build on the single largest investment in residential aged care infrastructure in Australia’s history, which in July 2021 saw $150 million in capital grants allocated to residential care services, predominantly in regional and remote Australia.
Outcomes of the MPS grants, including details of the successful providers, can be found here.
Parkes electorate recipients and grants:
| Recipient | MPS facility | Grant Amount |
| Hunter New England Health District | Boggabri Multi-Purpose Service | $95,676 |
| Hunter New England Health District | Warialda Multi-Purpose Service | $107,184 |
| Western NSW Local Health District | Baradine Multi-Purpose Service | $86,400 |
| Western NSW Local Health District | Brewarrina Multi-Purpose Service | $116,000 |
| Western NSW Local Health District | Coonamble Multi-Purpose Service | $72,000 |
| Western NSW Local Health District | Gilgandra Multi-Purpose Service | $196,000 |
| Western NSW Local Health District | Gulargambone Multi-Purpose Service | $52,000 |
| Western NSW Local Health District | Nyngan Multi-Purpose Service | $600,000 |
| Western NSW Local Health District | Trangie Multi-Purpose Service | $216,000 |
| Western NSW Local Health District | Warren Multi-Purpose Service | $600,000 |
