Temora Shire Pinnacle Community Services are here to stay

Published on 19 August 2024

After Temora Shire Council investigated the feasibility of continuing its Pinnacle Community Service offerings in their neighbouring shires of Cootamundra and Leeton, Council has decided to transfer these services to an alternate service provider, Valmar Support Services Ltd.

Valmar has been servicing people with disabilities for more than 50 years. Starting in Tumut, they are now the leading provider of disability, aged care and community transportation services in the ACT, Riverina/Southwest Slopes and Southern Tablelands areas of New South Wales.

According to 2021 census data, Temora Shire has an aging population with the median age being eight years older than the state average and more than 1 in 3 residents above the age of 60. 

“Council identified that by continuing to run as is, we are increasing the chances of sacrificing on compliance and quality of service to clients. Which is something we are not willing to do,” said Council’s General Manager, Melissa Boxall.

Consultation with the Temora Shire community for their Community Strategic Plan saw a community interest in focusing on quality local services, with concerns and strong desire for Pinnacle Community Services not to become an ‘outreach’ service.

“Council was presented with options to consider, including that of engaging with a service provider to take on staff and clients in these locations,” explained Ms. Boxall.

Temora Shire Council has filled the gap in Cootamundra for 18 years and in Leeton for 8 years. However, Council identified, under the current organisational structure, services cannot continue to be offered at a high-quality standard, without employing further management, administration, and other resources. Therefore, Council commenced the process of investigating options to transition existing services to an alternate service provider, to ensure the same offering can be continued in Cootamundra and Leeton.

“Continuity of service to clients is paramount for Council. Council decided to look at alternative service providers, and as a result has engaged with Valmar to take on service provision in Cootamundra and Leeton. Valmar currently provides services throughout the Riverina,” said Ms. Boxall.

“Our experience in the Disability and Aged Care industries tells us that the value of relationships between clients and staff cannot be overstated. Providing consistency and continuity in this period of transition is our key focus,” said Tim Swan, CEO of Valmar Support Services Ltd.

Pinnacle staff located in Cootamundra and Leeton have been notified of the intentions of Temora Shire Council and that Valmar will be taking on service provision in these communities and have been presented with information to engage in employment with Valmar.

37 employees across Cootamundra and Leeton have been impacted by the changes. Temora Shire Council has notified staff and clients, and as of Monday 2nd September 2024, where relevant, they will commence transition to Valmar services.

“We’ve been working closely with the United Services Union and our Employee Assistance Program provider, to ensure staff are well informed and cared for during this time,” said Ms. Boxall.

“Council will continue to provide Pinnacle Community Services in the Temora Shire. If anything, this gives our management and Temora staff the assurance that they can continue delivering an outstanding service to our local clients,” said Ms. Boxall.