Dissapointment in social support changes
Changes to a social support group previously run by Baw Baw Shire have made no sense to Warragul resident John Campbell.
The social support group operated at the Senior Citizen's Centre in Mason St, Warragul and was one of the many services, including meals on wheels, contracted out as a result of Federal Government changes.
The service is now administered by aged care provider Benetas.
Mr Campbell believes the quality of the service has been comprised by moving the meeting place to the Warragul Community Church hall in Wills St, Warragul.
He said the new facility was cold and draughty and too far from the main part of Warragul, particularly for participants who do not have their own transport.
Mr Campbell said Baw Baw Shire did a brilliant job when they run the service which provides weekly gatherings, bus trips and other social activities.
He said people from across the shire joined the group which made the meeting place in Warragul more suitable for all participants.
“I feel that Benetas has missed the boat by moving away from the main part of town,” he said.
“This has been an excellent program and I don't want to see it not used correctly or not used at all because of the change of operator,” he said.
Benetas acting chief executive Bruce Webb said the organisation was committed to ensuring participants in the programs, are comfortable and have a positive experience.
“We do appreciate there are some differences in the facilities where people are now attending Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) Social Support Groups at the Warragul Community Church, compared with the former location of the Senior Citizens Centre, in Mason Street, Warragul.
“Benetas strives to provide safe and comfortable environments for all our clients and group services, however at times we are restricted due to availability of property and leasing requirements.
“We are continuing to look at ways we can make everyone as comfortable as possible moving forward, and are proactivity responding to feedback from our participants,” he said.
Mr Campbell said he had completed a survey at the first meeting he went to at the church hall.
He said it would have been better to have undertaken a survey before any changes were made.
A council spokesperson said that council offered Benetas the opportunity to lease the Warragul Senior Citizens Centre, but after its own assessment the organisation opted to seek an alternative location.
Mr Campbell said he hoped something could be resolved “so the excellent service could continue as before.”