Northern Metropolitan region: places available in new adult programs

Please note that the closing date for Expressions of Interest for these programs is Friday 13th March - this is very short notice. If you care for, or know someone with a disability who might benefit, please pass the information on to them urgently:


NSW Dept Ageing, Disability and Home Care (DADHC) has funded 44 placements in two new day programs for the Metro North Region in 2008/09. These are part of NSW Government’s ten year ‘Stronger Together’ plan. The new programs are Life Choices, offering 30 places and Active Ageing offering 14 places.


Of these 44 funded places, 8 of the Life Choices and 4 of the Active Ageing placements will be Disability Assistance Packages (DAP). DAP funding targets individuals living in the community with parents/carers over the age of 60 (or 45 for Aboriginal carers).

These two programs have a greater emphasis on user choice, age appropriate service and planning for changing needs as people age. Funding will be provided for a minimum 18 hours a week. The level of funding for each participant will depend on the level of support they require eg. moderate to very high (exceptional).


Life Choices is aimed at 25 to 54 year olds. The Program aims to:

• maintain participants’ capacity to participate in community life;


• enhance participants’ independence;


• facilitate and promote opportunities and pathways to ensure participants benefit from ongoing learning and personal development;


• support participants to develop and sustain social interactions and participate in the community; and


• provide a respite effect for their families and carers (DAP).

Active Ageing for people aged 55 to 64 or those with early onset ageing. The Program aims to:

• promote active and healthy older life;


• maintain participants’ capacity to participate in community life and remain independent;


• promote opportunities for participation in meaningful activities and ongoing personal development;


• support participants to develop and sustain social networks and interactions;


• facilitate pathways and future planning for older life; and


• provide a respite effect for families and carers (DAP).

For further information or referrals contact Brian Bernard on 9450 7957 or contact brian.bernard@dadhc.nsw.gov.au or samantha.livingston@dadhc.nsw.gov.au

Click here for more detailed information and here for an Expression of Interest/Application form. Completed forms need to be returned to

DADHC, Northern Metro Office, PO Box 1746, Hornsby Westfield NSW 1635

by 13th March 2009.