VIC Govt Budget: Unsuccessful Funding Submission

Share this post

The vision for Anam Cara House Geelong (Anam Cara) has always been to be a global benchmark in palliative care services, with those services made available to our community, regardless of individual circumstances.

 

We deliver an exemplary model focused on person-centred holistic care and flexible access. We offer direct admissions to our service 24/7 alleviating the need for palliative care patients to present to an Emergency Department. The natural environment, sweeping views and home-like but state-of-the-art architecture of Anam Cara’s location at Deakin University, Waurn Ponds makes it a truly unique setting to receive dignified care.

 

We remain committed to delivering individual quality care, to ensure this care is available to our entire community regardless of financial circumstances, and that Anam Cara is able to sustainably operate into the future.

 

In response to the strong interest from our community and demonstrated demand, Anam Cara applied for additional Victorian Government funding of approximately $2million per annum in the 2024-25 budget but unfortunately our organisation’s request was again not supported. The funds would have seen our complete vision come to fruition.

 

The recent response to Anam Cara from the Victorian Government advised that Government funding for palliative care in 2024-25 will remain allocated to existing state funded services to maintain continuity for patients and their families, workforce, and services.

 

Anam Cara exists to offer another choice in care, consistent with Victorian Government policy, and we strongly support a person’s right to that choice. Yet this position, and the services now available at Anam Cara through extraordinary community advocacy and support, have again not been supported through funding by the Victorian Government.

 

The absence of this much-anticipated funding means, at present, Anam Cara is only able to accommodate guests who have private health insurance, or who are able to pay for the service.

 

Anam Cara Chair Diana Taylor AM, said this was a disappointing outcome, but Anam Cara’s advocacy to the Victorian Government for funding will continue.

 

“Anam Cara first opened its bedroom-based services in February of this year only due to the generosity of individuals and organisations who supported this initial start-up phase and through the support of private health insurers. Currently our overnight and end-of-life services are available to community members with private health insurance and those who are self-funded,” said Ms Taylor.

 

“Contributions from our community will make a tangible difference in the lives of those facing life-limiting illness, and by supporting Anam Cara, you help advance our objective that individuals and families in the Geelong community can receive the compassionate care and support they deserve, and choose, in their most vulnerable moments.”

More news

Want to stay in the loop?

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay across our news, events and build progress.

Having a choice is what the people of Geelong deserve.
Our guests are given dignity and the highest-level of comfort and care when it matters most.

Proudly supported by

Howard Glover Trust

Deakin University

Brian and Jennifer O'Shannassy & Family

Lino and Marina Bisinella & Family

Frank and Shirley Costa & Family

Ian Potter Foundation

Barry & Jan Fagg

GMHBA

City of Greater Geelong

Thank you for supporting our not-for-profit organisation.

Donate online now to ACHG’s Annual Giving Appeal to support day-to-day operations so we can continue to deliver our critical services.

This link will open our external secure donation page in a new window. 

There are various ways to donate & support ACHG. In-person, leave a gift in your will, become a member and more!

Or maybe you’re interested in volunteering or partnering with ACHG?

There are two key ways to donate.

Giving Day Complete!

With everyone’s generosity, and the help of our matching donors, $880,090 has been raised, allowing us to immediately open six more palliative care bedrooms.

Regular Donation

Donate online now to Anam Cara House Geelong’s day-to-day operations so we can continue to deliver our critical services.

There are two key ways to donate.

Giving Day Complete!

With everyone’s generosity, and the help of our matching donors, $880,090 has been raised, allowing us to immediately open six more palliative care bedrooms.

Regular Donation

Donate online now to Anam Cara House Geelong’s day-to-day operations so we can continue to deliver our critical services.