Care

change from Saturday

IN-HOME aged care services in Loddon communities officially have new providers from Saturday.

Loddon Shire formally ends its role tomorrow night after voting last year to exit the service after Federal Government reforms.

Councillors were told at their meeting on Tuesday that a farewell dinner where in-home care staff had been thanked for their service had been held last week. However, inquiries to the Federal Government on new service providers have gone unanswered by the Department of Health over the past week.

The department had earlier said an announcement would be made when contracts were finalised.

The Loddon Herald understands three services will deliver programs in local communities - Inglewood and Districts Health Service, Boort District Health and Intereach.

Both council and the Government earlier said clients had been informed of new providers before July 1.

Budget gets tick

LODDON Shire’s 3.5 per cent rate rise was given formal approval by councillors on Tuesday when they adopted the 20232024 budget.

Council had received three submissions during public consultation on the draft budget on rates increase, waste charges and user hire fees.

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The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on all our lives so looking after your mental wellbeing is essential. It is normal to feel anxious, stressed and fearful during times of crisis. The Federal Government is providing support for the mental health and wellbeing of Australians as we face the challenges of the pandemic; go to www.headtohealth.gov.au if you feel like you might need some additional help coping with anxiety and worry about Coronavirus.