Published on Thursday, 22 May 2025 at 8:26:11 AM
With the Community Scorecard now live, we’re continuing to report back on top community priorities raised in 2023. Seniors’ Services, Facilities and Care was ranked in the Top 5 priorities for the first time, reflecting growing community concern and urgency for better support as Esperance’s population ages.
In response, Council updated the Council Plan to include:
- 1.1 Advocate for more social and low-income housing for vulnerable people (including seniors)
- 1.2 Advocate for a new lifestyle village for seniors
These actions are more than a “tick n flick” - progress is tracked monthly in the Information Bulletin in Council Meeting Agendas and Minutes. In May 2025, the CEO continued advocating to the Department of Communities for improvements and upgrades to existing social housing and the construction of new social housing through the Goldfields Voluntary Regional Organisation of Councils.
What We Heard
‘As we are an ageing population, much more support and care need to be provided to keep local people supported and able to stay locally.’ - 2023 Scorecard Comment
Esperance Home Care plays a vital role in supporting older residents and people with disabilities in living independently for as long as possible. The service supports over 425 clients across Home Care Packages, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.
The team delivered:
- 37,000+ hours of in-home support
- Around 4,500 meals through Meals on Wheels (approx. 450-500 meals/month).
From personal care to domestic help, staff provide compassionate support every day. Ongoing training and a new in-house training space ensure quality and resilience into the future.
Volunteers are the heart of Esperance Home Care. In 2023-24, over 6,300 hours of volunteer support were given to day programs, transport, kitchen assistance, social visits and more - bringing joy, companionship, and practical help to local seniors. Unique initiatives like the Pooch Group, Mums and Bubs and visits to the Esperance Aged Care Facility show how deeply rooted community connection is to this service.
Staff also engage in community events like the Dying to Know Expo, offering guidance on aged care access and services.
In 2024, Esperance Home Care passed both Aged Care and NDIS audits with 100% compliance - meeting all 84 standards independently. This outstanding result reflects the professionalism, care, and commitment of the entire team.
Collaboration continues with local partners including Esperance Hospital, the Palliative Care Team, and the Esperance Aged Care Facility, ensuring seniors receive the right care at the right time.
Behind every hour of care is a team of people who genuinely care about our community - and it shows.
Keeping Seniors Active and Connected
“Really cheap Leisure Centre membership.” – 2023 Scorecard Comment
In response to this feedback, Bay of Isles Leisure Centre froze senior membership fees in 2023–24 and again for 2024–25 to keep activities affordable support health and social connection.
Planning Ahead
‘A Lifestyle Village is imperative for Esperance, this would free up many houses & help with the rental problem & housing shortage in our area.’ - 2023 Scorecard Comment
The Shire continues to advocate for senior lifestyle village investments. We continue to engage with private developers and stakeholders and provide planning advice on potential sites.
We’re listening, we’re acting, and we’re proud to care for the people who helped build our community.
If you haven’t already, make sure to complete the 2025 MARKYT Community Scorecard before Friday 23 May - your feedback helps shape what happens next.
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