Union to rally over HACC changes

THE Australian Services Union will lead a community rally on Wednesday, March 4, to protest the council's provisional decision to withdraw from community care.

The rally will take place at the Bendigo Town Hall gardens at 5pm.

Union representative Billy King said the 165 workers employed through the program were feeling hopeless and uncertain.

"They're not in charge of their own destiny," he said. 

"They feel gutted by the council's provisional decision."

He said the union was willing to work with council to look at how the service could be made more efficient.

"We would be willing to look at how (savings) could be achieved," he said.

When asked if the union would consider accepting a $1.32-million cut to the service - the amount the council contributes to it - he said it would.

Mr King was referring to the council's provisional decision to withdraw from the Home and Community Care program, which it delivers on behalf of the state government.

The program consists of a range of home care services for the elderly and people with disabilities.

Council announced its provisional decision on February 12, and a final decision will be made at a council meeting on March 25.

If the council does withdraw from the service, the state government will have to find a new provider to deliver it, most likely a not-for-profit organisation.

City of Greater Bendigo Chief executive Craig Niemann said it was important to note the community rally coincided with the National Day of Action for Australian unions.

He said the council had not made a decision about ending care, and was consulting with the general public, employees, clients and the union.

"There has been five community information sessions and seven staff group consultation meetings with more of both to come," he said.

"There has also been an offer to staff for individual meetings if they would like. 

"All feedback will be compiled in a report to council."

Additional meetings about the proposed changes will take place on the following dates:

Monday March 2, 7pm

Bendigo Town Hall, Reception Room, Hargreaves Street, Bendigo

Tuesday March 3, 4.30pm

Elmore Senior Citizens Centre, 4 Clarke Street, Elmore

Wednesday March 4, 11am

Heathcote RSL Hall, 127 High Street, Heathcote