Council transfers CHSP to Ethnic Communities Council

Published on 12 June 2020

Burwood Council announced today that Inner West Development and Training and Volunteer Network Programs will be transitioning to Ethnic Communities Council of NSW (ECCNSW) from 1 July 2020 as part of a successful novation process.

 
These programs are funded by the Australian Government, Department of Health, Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), to deliver Sector Support and Development (SSD). This funding aims to enhance the capacity of the aged care providers in the Inner West region through training, policy development and networking and the recruitment, training and placement of volunteers in CHSP funded services.

ECCNSW is a state wide peak body and has extensive involvement in the aged care sector with the delivery of numerous programs that help to build capacity in aged care across the community.

 
Burwood Council Mayor John Faker said “We are delighted that ECCNSW are the successful recipients of the novation process for the SSD-funded programs. This is an organisation with an excellent track record in building the capacity of the community which means services supporting older people in the Inner West will be even better connected to the aged services sector. We are confident that they are the right organisation to deliver these key programs, which play an important role in supporting the health and wellbeing of older people in our community.”

Council has also taken the step of creating a full time volunteer-specific position in its Community Development team which is not dependent on Commonwealth grant funding. This position will create opportunities for volunteers in Burwood to continue supporting the local community, as well as growing the range of community programs offered by Council.

The Mayor said “I’m aware how vitally important volunteers are in building community capacity and resilience and I am delighted that we have been able to retain this function within Council. I am sure we will be able to engage even more effectively with local volunteers through this new role.”

Council and ECCNSW are working collaboratively to ensure continuity of the SSD programs through the transition process and beyond.