Presidential Pride
P1 stated as we all live up to the 4 Way Test (or at least he hoped so) there was no need to repeat it! He did however tell us it was International Boyfriend Day and several hands went up for a request for one! We were reminded that on this day in 1990 the two Germanies were united, and the British, in an operation code named Hurricane, detonated an atomic weapon in a bay of one of the islands off Montebelo.
Guest Speaker : Laura Turner, Local Guardians
Laura is an experienced leader and business professional in the aged care industry, she’s skilled in managing large teams and providing care for clients with high care needs. With a deep understanding of Home Care Package funding, she helps clients navigate the aged care system and maximise the value of their package—ensuring they remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible.
Her strengths lie in customer service, problem-solving, and providing culturally sensitive care. She is passionate about building genuine, lasting relationships with clients and their families, making their aged care journey as positive and empowering as possible.
Outside of work, Laura enjoys travelling, outdoor activities by the water, and spending time with her dog.
Local Guardians is an organisation that maintains oversight of Self-Managed Home Care Packages. This is a Government-sponsored program that provides a range of services and support for older Australians who wish to continue living at home. Laura observed, as the program is for 65 and older, “looking around the room I would say that is none of you…..”
From November 2025, Home Care Packages will be replaced by the new Support at Home program.
A Home Care Package is a pool of government funding available to older Australians to help them live independently at home for longer. Funding is tailored to their care needs.
What Can Be Funded?
Depending on their needs, they could receive between $10,000–$80,000 per year. This can go towards:
- Care workers (cleaning, personal care, transport, meal prep and delivery etc.)
- Allied health (physio, OT, nursing, podiatry)
- Equipment, aids, and home modifications
- Home maintenance (cleaning, gardening etc)
What Will It Cost?
From November 2025, their income and assets will determine the cost of services.
The new system includes three funding categories:
Clinical Services – Free for everyone
No matter their financial situation, they won’t pay out-of-pocket for:
- Nursing
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Podiatry
(This is a major improvement – previously some people paid daily fees even without receiving services.)
Independence Support – 50% to 95% government-funded
Services such as:
- Personal care
- Mobility and safety aids
- Transport
- Minor home modifications
- Everyday Supports – 20% to 82.5% government-funded
- Services like:
- Cleaning
- Laundry
- Shopping
- Meal preparation or delivery
How to Get Started
Call MyAgedCare on 1800 200 422 to request a phone assessment (usually 1–2 hours).
Once assessed, they may be placed on a national waitlist, which can take several months.
Tip: Be ready to talk about 3 or more care needs during the assessment.
If they only need 1 or 2 services, they may be eligible for the Commonwealth Home Support Program, which funds individual services with a small co-contribution.
Once assigned a package, they must choose a provider – the government does not give funds directly to individuals.
When choosing a provider:
- Check staff availability for their needs
- Look for prompt responsiveness from the provider
- Compare fees and hourly rates
About Local Guardians – Our Self-Managed Option
Local Guardians offers a self-managed model that gives:
- Freedom to choose their carers
- No strangers or rotating workers
- More hours of care for their budget
- Flexible schedules
- Local Guardians are 100% online and do not hire their own workers. The client (or a family member) will need:
- A device with email
- Ability to join video calls with their coordinator
Clients can engage someone or a company of their choice, such as a cleaner or support worker with an ABN and insurance. This might be someone they’ve spoken with, are happy with, or already know and trust. Local Guardians help the client set them up and pay them directly using their government funds. Need help finding someone? Local Guardians also have a register clients can access of companies that have previously signed up to support other clients.
Fees
All providers will charge a 10% care management fee from November – this comes from their package, not out of their pocket.
With self-management, clients get more value because:
- they choose the service providers (e.g. a $50/hr cleaner is paid the full $50)
- Local Guardians charge 10% per invoice to process payments – not on the whole package
- Clients avoid inflated provider staff rates (some charge $80–$110/hr)
This leaves more funding for them to use on actual care.
In Summary
If older Australians have care needs – they should apply now.
Joining the wait-list is free, and puts them in line to access free clinical services and heavily discounted support when they need it.
As a Care Adviser, Laura is available to chat about options and next steps. She can discuss specific care needs, go through the list of available inclusions to identify three or more needs for their MyAgedCare assessment, use an online planner to estimate their discounts, and explore self-managed care options.
Directors' Reports and Member Announcements
- Jenny & Lorrie : gave an update on the success of the Sewing Sister's Tanzania project - going great guns! The DG there has authorised hygiene packs for 8 schools in the area by 23 October!
- Alison : Reminder OffTraq is on 30 October to 2 November and good opportunity to sponsor cars who are fundraising for Global Hands Sri Lankan Eye Project. See Events for more details.
- Joy : Needs a volunteer to help her at SOS on Wednesday 8 October from 9am. Please contact Joy on 0437 936 732
- Brian J : Club service meeting after breakfast; 10 October is HAT Day for mental health and donations of $5 per person expected (can pay by square) and also the DG visit with several Rotarians attending from Como RC.
- Gorby : Mundaring Weir vocational visit next week, please email Gorby direct on mjgwaconsulting@gmail.com; Como RC Classic Cars event last Sunday was attended well even though the rain spoiled play.
- Rick : Will be away from next week for 4 weeks, so next Friday is last day to organise and pick up meals for PICYS.
- Kelly : Reminder about Ride The Train to End Polio Friday 24 October. Ride the Train, Wear your T-shirt all day (even if you can't ride the train) and gather at Yagan Square 6pm for a mass photo, Pizza and drinks. Please register though for catering purposes whether you are riding the train or not at https://www.trybooking.com/CYVGP
As Fine(s) a lady as you can get...
- Visitors of the week, recently MIA - Peter D, Di Allen and Eunice.
- 1st Friday of the month is World Smile Day so get those pearly-whites flashing - if you didn't know this $1 please.
- All coffee lovers for International Coffee Day celebrated on Wednesday 1st October.
- All those 'Great' aunts, uncles, grandma's, grandpa's or those who just simply identify as GREAT!
- To fit with the topic of the day - all those retirees who have 'downsized.'
- Kelly and other 'beardies' (or who forgot to shave this morning) practicing for Dial-A-Santa.
- Brian J whose birthday it is and doesn't look a day older...
Winner of Heads and Tails
Attendance
36 attendees in all, including guest speaker Laura Turner, and visitor Chris Pittman.
