Page 3050 - Week 09 - Thursday, 21 September 2006
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food preparation. I understand that we are consulting with residents at the moment on how these changes can be implemented.
The department and Havelock Housing Association will jointly hold two barbecues after the resident consultation to discuss the changes to the dining room and the site. Already, residents have indicated a desire for volunteer activities to be provided on site, which may be counted towards Centrelink obligations. The Red Cross will work towards obtaining this accreditation, if possible.
We will continue to consult with residents on all the issues presented by the changes from supported accommodation to community accommodation. That consultation will be ongoing. We will now have the Red Cross providing the dining room service for the next nine months while we continue to work with residents individually through the transition period.
MS PORTER: Minister, is the government planning any other changes at Ainslie Village? Will any other service at Ainslie Village be affected?
MS GALLAGHER: Thank you, Ms Porter, for the supplementary question. The government funds a number of excellent services at Ainslie Village already. Those support services on site will continue unaffected by these changes—services such as those at Minosa House, run by Centacare, which provides 28 SAAP places, or the Lodge, which is also run by Centacare, which provides 20 places for people with a mental illness. SAAP funds are also provided for specialist drug and alcohol and mental health clinic support, which currently assists approximately 40 residents. The Canberra Men’s Centre currently offers management services for around 20 clients at Ainslie Village.
Directions ACT also provide one weekly cooking class on site as part of their outreach programs, to engage and support people with drug and alcohol issues. This service will be increased through the transitional changes at Ainslie Village. Havelock Housing Association have negotiated with Directions ACT to increase the number of these cooking classes to provide additional options for residents to enhance their living skills. The excellent Blue Door Cafe, which many members of the Assembly are familiar with, will also continue unaffected by any changes.
These support services are additional to the contract we have with Havelock Housing Association to provide tenancy management. In addition, residents of the Lodge and Minosa House who are currently receiving meals will continue to receive free prepared meals. Those on site who currently receive Meals on Wheels will also continue to receive these meals.
There are approximately 80 other residents receiving case management support from Centacare and the Canberra Men’s Centre on site. We will pay particular attention to these people, to ensure they are not placed at risk by any of the changes. As a further safety net, a community development worker for Ainslie Village and the Ainslie Avenue precinct will be appointed later this year. This person, along with services and other residents, will be vigilant to ensure residents are not put at any risk.
The changes at Ainslie Village represent an important phase in the transition of residents from supported accommodation to community housing. We are very keen to support
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