Ballina District Community Services Association gets financial boost
Carers in the Ballina area have been given a helping hand, with Federal Nationals Member for Page Ian Causley announcing that Ballina District Community Services Association will receive $670,883.
Mr Causley said the Australian Government’s National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP) funding would allow the association’s centre-based day care service to extend its opening hours. The funding will allow Ballina District Community Services Association to operate between 7am and 6pm on weekdays, and 9am to 3pm on Saturdays.
The centre assists carers who have, or are seeking, paid employment by providing a day care respite service for those under their care. Mr Causley said the carers were able to leave the person in their care at the service while they either go to work or seek paid work.
“Those who provide love and care for frail older people in their homes should also have the option of making an income and pursuing a career. However, mainstream respite often cannot provide the flexibility they need,” he said.
“This funding is a worthy initiative which will enable more carers to remain in or rejoin the paid workforce if they choose to. By enabling this choice, the Government is making it easier for carers to combine caring and work opportunities.”
Mr Causley said the funding is part of a $9.5 million funding package for employed carer respite services. It follows a $65 million, four-year commitment to create or expand respite services for employed carers announced in February.
The Ballina District Community Services Association provides a range of services, including:
Information and Referral – for the general community and for young people, funded by NSW Department of Community Services (DOCS)
Accommodation Brokerage – for people in the area who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, funded under the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program, administered by DOCS
Day Programs, Personal Care and Respite for people with disabilities, funded by NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (DADHC)
Respite, Activity Programs and Support for frail aged people and people with dementia, funded by DADHC and the Australian Government, administered by the Department of Health and Ageing.
Day Programs, Personal Care and Respite for children, partially funded by DOCS and subsidised by the Australian Government.
Activities, Accommodation and Support for young people, funded by DOCS
Inclusion Support for young children in the region, funded by the Australian Government, administered by the Department of Family and Community Services.
