Cuts ‘threaten seniors health’

By Michelle Herbison
STATE funding cuts threaten the quality of seniors’ health programs in the region, according to Bellarine Community Health.
Spokesperson Liz Womersley said she was disappointed Health and Aging Minister David Davis had refused in parliament to restore funding for a Living Longer Living Stronger funding program for seniors.
Ms Womersley said the “important” program funded over-50s strength training activities.
“Our health centre provides training for over 350 older adults, allowing them to stay healthy into their older years. The Living Longer Living Stronger program provides support to our programs by way of training and ensuring programs are conducted with best practice.”
Ms Womersley was worried the lack of funding would impact the availability and quality of programs.
“If the State Government doesn’t see this as a priority that might shape the way for things in the future,” she said.
Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville said programs in Leopold, Ocean Grove and Portarlington would suffer.
She said the Government failed to allocate money for Living Longer Living Stronger in Victoria’s May budget after funding lapsed in July.
The program would cost approximately $1.4 million over four years, she said.
Mr Davis said the funding had served its purpose to establish programs.
“The funding was not used to subsidise or pay for the actual running of any strength and fitness programs.
“There is limited need for ongoing support for the sector to establish them.”