IRT Group partners with Katungul to develop indigenous seniors project

National community-owned aged care provider, IRT Group has joined Katungul Aboriginal
Corporation Community and Medical Services (ACC&MS) to deliver a $1.4 million culturally-sensitive Indigenous seniors home care project in Bateman’s Bay.

IRT Group CEO Patrick Reid and CEO of Katungul ACC&MS Robert Skeen will sign a
Memorandum of  Understanding (MOU) to launch the project on Monday 9 April.

Funded by an Australian Government grant to support cutting-edge innovation in Indigenous aged care, the Integrated Aboriginal Homecare Project has been co-designed by IRT and the Katungul ACC&MS.

Designed to suit Indigenous cultural preferences, the project recognises that Aboriginal seniors have a connection to country and a desire to age in place, and aims to support older Aboriginal people to stay in their own homes as they age.

The project addresses barriers to accessing aged care by assisting Aboriginal seniors to apply for government home care funding assistance. IRT’s registered training organisation, IRT Academy will also support the project with delivery of a Certificate III training package for Indigenous trainees to
provide culturally-appropriate home care services.

“Through the work of our Age Matters, we aim to provide equity in aged care service provision to all seniors in the community,” said IRT Group CEO, Mr Patrick Reid.

“We’re proud to partner with Katungul, which has been working for the last 25 years to enable Aboriginal people to live healthy lives, enriched by a strong living culture, dignity and justice.”

Robert Skeen, CEO at Katungul ACC&MS said “At the heart of our philosophy of Koori Health in Koori Hands is the health and wellbeing of our Elders. By our Elders maintaining their lifestyle and
connection to culture and country, we will be able to keep them independent and at home for longer.

”The signing of the project’s MOU will be followed by the first meeting of the Project’s Steering Committee, which has been formed to guide the project’s community-based and community-led
approach to Indigenous aged care over the next three years.

A Koori Aged Care Community Yarn Up information session will follow, where experts will be on hand to answer questions about the benefits of Koori Home Care; as well as the training offered by
IRT Academy. IRT Group CEO, Patrick Reid, Chair of the Katungul Board, Uncle Graham Moore
and CEO of Katungul, Robert Skeen will be available for interview.

Media enquiries: Stephanie Whitelock 0427 188 512                                General enquiries: 134 478

About IRT Group:
IRT Group is one of Australia’s largest community-owned seniors’ lifestyle and care providers. With almost 50 years’ experience and locations throughout NSW, the ACT and South East Queensland, we employ more than 2500 people and play a significant role in promoting seniors as dynamic, influential and valuable members of society.