A Moree Aged and Disability service provider will extend and enhance the provision of its services to people in outer rural and remote areas following the announcement of infrastructure projects to be funded under the first round of the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.
Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash and the Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said Moree Aged and Disability Services Inc. would receive $95,000 to help people who are ageing, disabled, transport disadvantaged, carers and volunteers.
“After a competitive merit-based selection process, Australian Government funding has been approved for four projects in the Parkes electorate under the BBRF’s Infrastructure Projects Stream including the Growing Moree Aged and Disability Services project” Minister Nash said.
Minister Nash said the funding would increase the capacity for expanded client activities and services, increase employment and volunteering, including providing greater access and inclusivity through services and activities appealing to Aboriginal people in the Moree area.
Mr Coulton said the main organisational purpose of the Moree Aged and Disability Services is to address disadvantage for the people living in the district’s outer regional and remote areas.
“As the district’s sole provider of community transport, day respite and social activities, home care and meal services to the remote villages and communities, I am extremely pleased the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund is able to help meet the needs of those who most need assistance in my electorate” he said.
“The BBR funding will enable all these vital services to be expanded, particularly to outlying villages through a weekly home pick up bus service to areas including Boomi, Boggabilla, Garah, Terry Hie Hie, Pallamallawa, Gurley and Bellata.
“The funding will also contribute to more in-home and in-community services and activities, delivered by Support Workers and volunteers resulting in increased interaction with community members.
“New infrastructure will add to the amenity of the current building for clients, carers, volunteers and staff” Mr Coulton added.
Moree Community Care Executive Officer Michelle Harrison said the funding would provide infrastructure development critical to its service delivery and growth.
“This funding will contribute greatly to the needs of the Moree district and greatly assist us to increase capacity, functionality and capability while caring for those in need of assistance” Ms Harrison said.
Mr Coulton said the BBRF will invest almost $500 million to fund key community projects in regional and remote communities nominated by local communities, which means regions are investing in their own future.
More information about the Building Better Regions Fund is available at: www.business.gov.au.bbrf