Wyndham City is increasing its investment in the Community Connector Program as part of an overall push to strengthen Council’s role in sector support, advocacy and support for the aged care community.
The Community Connector Program, which has been running since February 2021, features a dedicated team of Council staff who work with closely with residents and carers to find and connect them with local service options.
The program supports approximately 4000 residents per year to access the services and support they need to stay living at home, active and connected with their community.
Wyndham City Mayor, Councillor Jennie Barrera, said Council would add additional staff over 2024/25 as part of an improved service offering for Wyndham’s older population.
“We are proud of our efforts to ensure that Wyndham is a place where everyone can age well and be active in the community,” Cr Barerra said.
“The Community Connector Program is an important service provides residents with access to the information, support and services that they need, when and where they need them, helping to ensure that no one falls through the gaps.”
“Council is also strengthening our role in advocating for the needs of older residents to ensure that their voices are better represented at a State and Federal level, and we are improving our role in planning for older residents to ensure that future infrastructure better meets the needs of residents.”
“Last but not least, we will continue with our very successful Seniors Festival, Seniors Directory and Seniors Expo.”
“These changes reflect the feedback we’ve received from our community during recent consultation about the future of aged care service delivery in Wyndham.”
“Between November 2023 – January 2024, Wyndham City conducted a review into the future of aged care service delivery in Wyndham that included an online survey, pop-ups at Community Centres, three social media campaigns and emails to Council clients and staff.”
“The results showed that 29 per cent of respondents want Council to prioritise helping older residents to understand the aged care system and connect them to services, and that is exactly what we’re doing.”
“Guided by Council’s Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan, we will continue to ensure that the community has access to a range of programs and initiatives dedicated to supporting older people to stay active, healthy and connected in the community.”
For more information on the Community Connector Program, visit https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/communityconnector
You can also email us at communityconnector@wyndham.vic.gov.au or call Wyndham Council on (03) 8734 4514 and ask to speak to the Community Connector.