Rick Wilson (O'Connor, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to announce a milestone one-off funding agreement reached between the federal government and the Albany Community Care Centre. The centre was initially built by the community for the community, with the respite facility offering emergency and planned respite accommodation for frail aged or younger disabled clients and their carers. I take this opportunity to congratulate manager Colleen Tombleson and chair Tracey Sleeman, who have harnessed a groundswell of support from clients, carers and the Albany community to secure Commonwealth funding for this unique service until June 2018.

Last year the team at the Albany Community Care Centre urged Senator Dean Smith and me to help them navigate an entry into the mainstream National Respite for Carers Program, but there was no opportunity to apply. Together we managed to secure a 12-month contract by appealing to the health minister at the time, the Hon. Peter Dutton. One year later it felt like groundhog day, as the National Respite for Carers Program was incorporated into the new Commonwealth Home Support Program. The Albany community waged a vigorous campaign of support letters, Facebook posts and public petitions to ensure that doors would remain open. Aged care and allied health service providers endorsed it as fulfilling an otherwise unmet need. I thank Minister Fifield and his staff for hearing the plea of the Albany community and facilitating a funding package that secures this vital service for the next three years. I also acknowledge the dedicated staff and volunteers of the respite centre, who never gave up on their charges, formulating a roster to continue to provide their service, come what may.

Finally, I salute the carers themselves for their selfless commitment to their loved ones in an act often under-recognised. (Time expired)