Support for meal vouchers

West Wimmera Shire Council is launching a program where people can redeem meal vouchers at businesses and sporting clubs in the shire.

People in the shire who have previously received or are receiving delivered meals or meals at social support or senior citizen groups will be eligible for a booklet of vouchers to use at participating businesses and groups.

The new meal program is in line with a Commonwealth Home Support Program supporting aged care.

Consumer direct care is designed to give service recipients more choice and flexibility with the services they receive. It also gives them control of what service provider they wish to access the services.

Council community services team leader Jo Grant said support for the program had been incredible.

“It reflects what a caring community we live in, with so many local businesses and sporting groups excited to provide an opportunity for a hearty feed and social interaction for our meal recipients,” she said.

People who do not receive a voucher booklet in the mail, but feel the program might benefit them or a family member in living independently, can apply to receive meals by registering with My Aged Care.

People can access My Aged Care through website www. myagedcare.gov.au or by phoning 1800 200 422.

“We understand this new way of requesting services might be daunting to some people,” Ms Grant said.

“Our currently delivered meal program will stay as it is now. We will continue to provide meals to clients’ homes with the fantastic ongoing support of our many wonderful volunteers. The existing delivered meals program is still a valuable service and the meal vouchers will not replace this.”

People seeking more information can call 585 9900 or 5392 7700.