More Than $15 Million to Support Older People from Non-English Speaking Backgrounds
The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot and Member for Maribyrnong, Bill Shorten announced more than $15.6 million to fund 77 projects to help older culturally and linguistically diverse people access aged care services.
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4 August 2009
The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot and Member for Maribyrnong, Bill Shorten today announced more than $15.6 million to fund 77 projects to help older culturally and linguistically diverse people access aged care services.
The $15.6 million over three years is being funded under the Community Partners Program (CPP) which brings together older people and their carers from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, connecting them with aged care information and service providers.
Minister Elliot and Parliamentary Secretary Shorten made the announcement at the Mekong Senior Citizen's Hostel run by the Indochinese Elderly Refugees Association Inc which will receive $214,228 from the funding announced today to provide support to elderly Vietnamese people in Brimbank, Maribyrnong and Dandenong.
The 2006 Census reported that almost a quarter (22 per cent) of Australian residents were born overseas.
Minister Elliot said this program is an important investment in older Australians from non-English speaking backgrounds.
“Older people born overseas or from culturally diverse backgrounds may have more difficulty finding out about their aged care options, due to language and cultural barriers.
“Providing information about culturally appropriate care is essential in improving access to care and ensuring their healthy and positive ageing.
“This Community Partners Program helps aged care providers to offer culturally sensitive aged care services, offers training projects, information sessions and the development of resources,” Minister Elliot said.
Parliamentary Secretary Shorten said: “Making sure older Australians have access to information on culturally appropriate aged care services is very important.
“We are a diverse society and we are committed to making sure we provide the right services at the right time regardless of a person’s background.
“The Australian Government is committed to supporting multicultural communities to overcome any additional barriers they may face in accessing aged care services.
“The Vietnamese communities living in cities of Brimbank, Maribyrnong and Greater Dandenong will directly benefit from today’s announcement,” Mr Shorten said.
As part of the Minister’s visit to Maribyrnong Minister Elliot and Parliamentary Secretary Shorten also visited and spoke with residents and staff at the Viva Care centre at Albion and St Bernadette’s Nursing Home and Hostel at Sunshine North.
Media Contacts:
For more information, contact Mrs Elliot's office on (02) 6277 7280
Parliamentary Secretary Shorten’s Office: Ben Ruse 0407 030 808
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