Annecto, a prominent provider of aged care and disability services in Australia, has announced it will discontinue its services in Victoria, NSW, Queensland, and the ACT starting July. This decision will have significant consequences for thousands of families reliant on its support, as the organisation has been operational for 70 years.
The chair of Annecto, Colleen Furnaletto, remarked that this decision was made after thorough contemplation and discussions with stakeholders. She emphasised that it was not taken lightly, acknowledging the community’s longstanding support and the commitment of staff and partners to uphold high standards of care.
Annecto has provided assistance to over 3,000 individuals, including the elderly, veterans, and people with disabilities, enabling them to live independently within their communities. In the past year, the organisation employed 1,130 support workers. However, due to financial challenges and shifts in service models, Annecto concluded that it could no longer sustain its operations.
While Annecto has not specified an exact closure date, it indicated that the transition process for its 3,737 clients to other service providers will commence shortly. The organisation plans to collaborate closely with government bodies, such as the Department of Health, the National Disability Insurance Agency, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, to facilitate a smooth transition for those affected.
Founded in the 1950s by a group of families in Melbourne’s western suburbs, Annecto was built upon the vision of creating a more inclusive society. Furnaletto reiterated the importance of the trust placed in Annecto over the years and expressed gratitude to the community that has supported its mission of inclusion and advocacy.
As Annecto prepares to enter this new phase, it reaffirms its dedication to ensuring that every individual has access to essential support, provided with dignity and respect. Meanwhile, Mark Butler, the Minister for Health, Disability and Ageing, has yet to comment on these closures or the potential for government assistance to families impacted by the decision.