Council transfers community services to Valmar

Yass Valley Council has officially transferred community services to Valmar, including all staff, volunteers, vehicles, activities and schedules.

Valmar CEO Hugh Packard, Yass Valley Council General Manager Chris Berry and Deputy Mayor Nathan Furry recently joined Valmar and Yass Valley Home Living Support Service (HLSS) staff and volunteers for a morning tea to mark the occasion.

Valmar has been approved to take on the full operational responsibility for running Yass Community Transport and Commonwealth Home Support Program. Council has been working with the not-for-profit community organisation and leading provider of services to the frail aged and people with disabilities in the region to ensure minimal disruptions to local users.

CEO Hugh Packard said Valmar is honoured in being approved to take on the full operational responsibility for running Yass Community Transport and Commonwealth Home Support Program.

“We have been working with Council to ensure that there is minimal disruption to this service and that the focus remains on service users and the high level of service provision that individuals and communities expect,” said Mr Packard.

“Valmar has a vision of enhancing the lives of each person we support through a process of asking what they want, hearing what they say and acting on this. We are really grateful Council saw fit to recommend us for this opportunity and we look forward to be able to continue to grow our relationship with the people of the Yass Valley.”

In October 2019, Council determined to commence negotiations with alternate accredited service providers to take over the operation of its community services functions. In December 2019, three specialist service providers, all with an established local presence, were referred by Council to the State and Federal Governments as suitable organisations to undertake the transfer of community services in the Yass Valley. The Department of Health (DoH) indicated Valmar as the preferred provider.

“This is an opportunity to reflect and celebrate and an opportunity to thank HLSS staff and volunteers for their contribution over the years,” said Cr Furry.

“Council is grateful for the reassurance from Valmar that it will carry on, expand upon and deliver a wider range of services to the community, including the retention of local staff and the continuation of activities and transport assistance.

“We are confident that these important local services are in very good hands.”

7 July 2020

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