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DESPITE being forced to close one of regional NSW offices, a disability support provider claims Tamworth families will not be affected by the business’ restructure.
Northcott recently announced it would shut its Dubbo office as it reportedly struggled to compete in a growing disability sector.
But it isn’t anticipating any impact for the New England region.
The service has been operating in Tamworth since 1974 and in a statement to the Leader, area manager Ashton Gett said expansion was actually on the cards in this region.
“There are no job losses expected for Tamworth, in fact we are currently trying to recruit,” Ms Gett said.
“In Tamworth we are experiencing a time of growth and opportunity where we have identified the need for expansion of our services, including therapy.
“Among other opportunities, we are currently looking for a speech pathologist and more casual support workers to further improve our service to the area.”
The Health Services Union was shocked by the news of the Dubbo closure which could leave many families in the Central West without support.
Northcott said there were no plan to stretch the region covered by its Tamworth workers.
“The closure of the Northcott Dubbo office will not affect Northcott Tamworth or any of our other offices,” Ms Gett said.
“We will not be expanding to cover the loss of the Dubbo area, but are looking to grow our services in the Tamworth region where there is an identified need for more supports that Northcott has the capacity and skill to provide.”
EARLIER: FAMILIES have been left shocked by the closure of a regional disability service and the health workers’ union has registered concerns about the wider implications.
Disability services provider Northcott confirmed it will shut-down its Dubbo operation in a matter of weeks, leaving 22 workers out of a job and scores of clients and their families without support.
Health Services Union organiser Randall Millington said the Dubbo closure had come as a shock, but there had been no word on the future for Northcott’s Tamworth office.
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“The announcement of the impending closure of Northcott’s service in Dubbo has come as a shock to workers,” Mr Millington said.
“At this stage, the HSU has been given no indication that any other regional services may be at risk.”
Mr Millington aired some concern about Northcott’s explanation for the shut down.
“Northcott’s public statements about the impact of the NDIS on the financial sustainability of its Dubbo operations, however, are very concerning,” he said.
“The HSU is currently seeking more information from Northcott.”
Northcott chief Kerry Stubbs said competition in the sector resulting from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) had been a factor.
“As the NDIS has been fully implemented, Northcott, like other disability providers in NSW, has continually reviewed its operations and refined various approaches in order to improve the services we provide to all of our customers while working in this new environment,” Ms Stubbs said.
Northcott has approached for comment relating to the future of its Tamworth service.