Health and Community Services Union

Specific Strategic Replacement & Refurbishment Program (SRRP) meetings between the DHS and HACSU delegate Carmel Palumbo and Official Lisa White have been held throughout the past year. The Union intends for the SRRP to become a standing agenda item at the monthly Regional Consultative Committee meeting. Until this occurs the local meetings will continue.

It has been agreed that discussions regarding roster reviews will only begin once the profile of a new client is known and that HACSU will attend the first staff meeting after a relocation to ensure there are no remaining issues.

HACSU continues to progress members' concerns regarding the following service moves:

Andrew Street - Glasgow Street, Reservoir
Coburg Street - Banff Street, Reservoir
Grantham Street - Hughes Parade, Reservoir
Carrick Drive -Dunstan Parade, Campbellfield
Grandview Street - Carrick Drive, whilst new house is built on site
Kathryn Street - relocate to Morely Street, Glenroy
Kendall Street – relocate to Coburg Street, Coburg

The DHS has determined it will not able to provide a service from Arthur Street in the long term and is currently meeting with people who live there and staff about the long term service options.

The proposed Peacock Street move is currently on hold whilst architects undertake a review of both Peacock and Grantham Street properties; this report is due mid August.

HACSU strongly applauds and commends our member’s who actively advocated for the people to whom they provide a service; in doing so they ensured these people’s rights were upheld. Whilst such advocacy is fundamental to the role of Disability Support Professional it can at times challenge the working relationship between staff and management by meeting the intended direction of the DHS head on.

As a result of our member’s actions, management have reviewed the decision making process surrounding the purchase of land. Capital Development and the region have committed to a more consultative and considered process by which these decisions are made in the future. To those of you who were part of this process congratulations and well done.

There is also the recognition that there is a need to reconsider the singular model of care, that is the 5/6 bedroom, single level Community Residential Unit. HACSU will continue to engage with the Department about these matters and keep members informed. Any members keen to actively participate in discussions about models of care and service types can contact us for further information.

If you have any queries or other concerns regarding the SRRP please don’t hesitate to contact Lisa White, Project Officer on 9340 4100 or lisaw@hacsu.asn.au