Abstracts & Presentation Summaries - Department of Health

Good Practice & Innovative Service Models Concurrent Sessions
Session 5 – Isolation
Patricia Roberts, Coordinator, Indigo Shire
Planned Activity as a Meaningful Experience in the Indigo Shire
Towns of Kiewa, Kergunyah, Tangambalanga and Sandy Creek
Background
In July 1998 Indigo Shire commenced the Community Meal project in the small town
of Tangambalanga servicing the isolated areas of Kergunya, Kiewa and Sandy Creek.
This region is a small pocket of the shire situated in the North Eastern part of Victoria
bordering the neighbouring Shires of Towong, Alpine and Wodonga.
The response to this project indicated that there were older people and families who
fell within the HAAC target group who were isolated and receiving no services.
After conducting a survey and consultations with small Community Groups funding
was received to set up a Planned Activity Group to service this area in 2001.
Role of PAG in the Broader Service System
The aim of the service is to bring people from outlying farms and townships
who were socially isolated together where they would be able to join in
different recreational activities
Generate and recapture the feeling of community which had been lost because
of age or disability
Go on outings selected by Client Group
Share interests
Pass on generational skills to younger people in the community by
participating with the local school on combined projects
Form alliances with other PCP partnerships and engage in
“Healthy Communities Projects”
Provide flexible options for participants of target group
The presentation will include:
Statistics showing population and % of service anticipated in the area
Demographic information
Barriers confronting program
37