The management of a trio of Lower Gulf aged care facilities has now been taken on by regional Queensland not-for-profit charity, Selectability.
An experienced provider of health services, Selectability, has been endorsed by the Department of Health and Aged Care (DoHAC) to take on the responsibility of the Ngooderi House, Kukatja Place and Kuba Natha Hostel aged care facilities from September 1.
Mount Isa-based Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO), Gidgee Healing, took on the responsibility of aged care in Doomadgee, Normaton and Mornington Island in 2021. They now pass on the management of the three facilities to Selectability.
Gidgee Healing CEO, Cherrie Glasson, said it was important to understand Indigenous health care, including Indigenous aged care, remains a serious challenge in rural and remote Australia.
"The decision to discontinue these services was not made lightly, but in late 2022, it was clear we no longer had the capacity to fund these services and reached a point where renewal of management arrangements was unsustainable for the organisation," she said.
"We are delighted Selectability is taking over the management of these facilities - it's a wonderful outcome for residents and their families.
"We look forward to welcoming the Selectability team into our communities and working alongside them as we strive for equitable health outcomes for First Nations peoples in Queensland's North West and Lower Gulf."
Gidgee Healing has worked in closely with DoHAC to ensure continuity of care for residents during the transition to Selectability.
Selectability has deep roots in rural and remote Queensland where it has delivered health and wellbeing services for more than 40 years.
This has included the management of around 50 residential group homes across the organisation's large and diverse footprint.
Selectability CEO, Debra Burden, said she was confident that under their leadership, the needs of residents and their families will continue to be provided for at the highest level.
"We are delighted to have been appointed for the management of aged care facilities in the Lower Gulf," she said.
"It is with great optimism that we will work with community to enrich the lives of aged care residents and their families."
Finn Coleman
Having grown-up in the Hawkesbury, I understand the importance of the Hawkesbury Gazette in highlighting stories that members of the local community care about - including events, businesses, sports and the people that make our town unique.
Having grown-up in the Hawkesbury, I understand the importance of the Hawkesbury Gazette in highlighting stories that members of the local community care about - including events, businesses, sports and the people that make our town unique.
