HACC Development Officer	Melinda Paterson
Tel	9542 6244
Email	melinda@sccd.org.au

Sutherland Shire HACC Development Project is funded by the NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care, under the auspices of Sutherland Shire Community Care Network Inc to employ a HACC Development Officer.

The HACC Development Officer assists Home and Community Care (HACC) service providers and users through a range of community development activities, including information and advice about government policy, organising annual planning and representing the local network on relevant committees. She also produces a newsletter, brochures and other materials for and about services, including a website called Southern Sydney Community Care Intranet (SSCCI) for communication between service providers and service users located at www.sscci.org.au.

Who can the Sutherland Shire HACC Development Officer (HACC DO) assist?

HACC-funded services, staff, management committees, volunteers and people who use HACC services in the Sutherland Shire or anyone seeking information can contact the HACC DO, 9.30 am to 5.00 pm weekdays. There is no fee for service.

Services provided:

• Promotion of HACC services and the activities of the Sutherland Shire community care network generally.
• Co-ordination of HACC development and planning through the Sutherland Shire Community Care Forum.
• Support of individual HACC-funded services, including staff and management committees.
• Provision of an information and development service.
• Support of consumer input to service development, including the Sutherland Shire Carers and Consumers Forum.
• Representation of the Community Care Forum group and liaison and development of links for voicing their views.
• Work with other community care services and government, including the HACC funding bodies.

What are the limitations?

The HACC DO's workload is prioritised through an annual workplan that considers the project's funding agreement with the NSW Ageing, Disability and Home Care Department, resources and ability to assist HACC services and service users.

What are your rights when dealing with the HACC DO?

You and your service have the right to:

• Read information the HACC DO holds about you. It may be viewed in the office with 7 working days notice.
• Privacy and confidentiality. However, if there is a risk situation or if your records are required by law, then this right may be waived.
• Be made aware of the standard of service that you can expect from the HACC DO. The service should be provided in a safe manner which is respectful and responsive to your needs.
• Have your views taken into account in the planning and evaluation of the HACC Development Project.
• Have an advocate, or to withdraw your consent for the HACC DO to advocate on your behalf at any time.
• Complain about the service you are receiving or to appeal any decision made about the type of service the HACC DO is/is not providing. Refusals of service or complaints will not prejudice your future access to the service.

What are your responsibilities?

You and your service should:

• Let the HACC DO know, with appropriate notice, if you are unable to keep an appointment with her.
• Act in a way which respects the rights of other HACC Development Project clients and SSCCN staff.
• Take responsibility for the results of any decisions you make.
• Help the HACC DO to provide you with services, by responding to client surveys and requests for information.
• You and your service may be asked to give written authority to receive an advocacy service. Advocacy will not be provided to individual employees, employers or volunteers on legal or industrial matters. However, information may be provided about where to seek assistance.

Sutherland Shire Community Care (formerly HACC) Forum

The Sutherland Shire HACC Forum is comprised of service providers, consumers and interested people from the HACC target group. It meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month (except December), generally between 12.00 noon and 2.00 pm. The HACC Forum goals are:

• To network and share information; to educate service providers and consumers on a variety of issues.
• To undertake advocacy and lobbying in order to address service gaps and development needs.
• To provide a critical analysis and feedback from a community perspective to government departments and peak bodies.

Participants share responsibility for the Forum, including minute-taking and chairing meetings, although the HACC Development Officer is responsible for circulating agendas and minutes.

Documents Available from the HACC DO