Council Transfers Management of Heron Lodge to Inverell Accommodation Services
On 1 May, Glen Innes Severn Council will transfer management of Heron Lodge to Inverell Accommodation Services (IAS), an organization which has a great deal of experience in providing residential services.
Glen Innes Municipal Council took over the management of Heron Lodge in October 1992. "A community committee of council was closely involved in the set up, recruitment of staff, development of policies, and planning for the new service, which was, at that time, funded by the Department of Community Services. Currently the Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care fund the service," said Council's Manager of Community Services, Robyn Condon.
In May 2007, Council resolved to relinquish the Heron Lodge funding. Mrs Condon said there were a number of reasons for this decision. "Residential services are quite different from the other community services provided by Council and as such require specific expertise, training and resources, which are difficult if not impossible, to provide for a small stand alone service such as Heron Lodge," she explained. "In addition the funding levels were inadequate for the changing needs of residents."
In March this year, the Department of Ageing Disability and Homecare approved Inverell Accommodation Services (IAS) as the new auspice for Heron Lodge. "This organization has wide experience in providing residential services, and a better economy of scale, which should enhance opportunities for residents and staff," Mrs Condon said. "Heron Lodge will remain as the home for the current residents."
Heron Lodge staff will hand over to IAS staff on 1 May 2008.
Council wishes to acknowledge the high quality work and many years of service by the Heron Lodge staff, including Patty Maskey, Barbara Newsome, Gay Pettit, and Joan Jones, together with June Wilson, a long term casual, and Kathie O'Hara, our most recent casual. "These staff members have provided a great service to the residents over the years," said Council's Director of Corporate and Community Services, Lotta Jackson, "Residents and families have often expressed their appreciation of the support provided by the very caring staff. Council wishes them all the best in the future."
Contact details
Catherine McBride
Tel: 02 6730 2314
cmcbride@gisc.nsw.gov.au
