Photo: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton with CEO of Southern Cross Care Mr Bernard Nankivell

After months of uncertainty, Broken Hill’s sole aged care provider is set to receive $4.4 million in Federal funding under the Market Adjustment Program.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has been working to advocate for Southern Cross Care and the people of the Broken Hill community who rely on their services for aged care.

“I’m so pleased to welcome this funding for Southern Cross Care,” Mr Coulton said.

“I’ve been in discussion with representatives from Southern Cross Care and the office of the Minister for Aged Care many times over recent months to stress the importance of this facility to the people of Broken Hill.

“After meetings between myself and the office of the Minister it was recommended that Southern Cross Care apply for funding under the invitation-only Market Adjustment Program.

“The Market Adjustment Program (MAP) was created specifically to support struggling remote aged care services, and Southern Cross Care has been successful in their application for this funding.

“Southern Cross Care has been vulnerable to many different impacts on their ability to provide aged care in Broken Hill, including the stringent staffing requirements of the Royal Commission into Aged Care which were introduced in July 2023.

“It’s my hope that the funding provided by the Federal Government under the Market Adjustment Program will give Southern Cross Care some relief and the support needed to build a sustainable future.”

Mr Coulton has committed to continuing to work with Southern Cross Care to ensure that the Broken Hill community can be assured of the reliability of access to aged care facilities in their area.

“I’m grateful to the Minister for Aged Care and her team for coming to the table on this and working with us on this very important issue.”