Country music shows return

Two first-time performers to Horsham will open the Horsham Country Music 2023 calendar.

Lance Birrell and Evan Platschinda will entertain people at a dinner and show at Horsham RSL on February 9 and a morning melodies at the same venue on February 10.

Both performers have extensive experience in the country music industry, winning many awards. They travel to Horsham following performances at the Tamworth Country Music Festival earlier this month.

Birrell sings and plays steel guitar. He has had three original singles in the top-10 of Australian country music’s top-40 charts, including ‘The ballad of Kokoda’, ‘I believe in beer’ and

‘Trailblazer’. He will perform a tribute to Alan Jackson as part of his performance at the RSL. He will undertake a ‘major’ tour of Australia this year.

Platschinda, a bush ballader of more than 20 years, will entertain with a variety of wellknown songs. He performs his Outback Australia Tour for three to four months annually. He was Australian Bush Balladeers Star Quest runner-up in 2008. He has recorded six albums.

Doors to the dinner and show open at 5.30pm, with meals served from 6.30pm; while the morning melodies runs from 10am to 11.45am. People wanting more information, or to book a ticket, can phone Horsham RSL on 5382 5912.

Stone brick home was built in 1903 and is in good condition. • 2 dble bdrms , 1 single, a good sized lounge with polished floor and wood heater & country style kitchen • 40’x25’ shed and a 20’x25’ workshop all set on 258.3 acres, ideal country escape or small stud farm

East Grampians Health Service’s two Ararat aged care facilities have received notification of full accreditation from the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission for a further three years.

The aged care facilities, 70 Lowe Street and Garden View Court, were the subject of a full accreditation review last year, with four assessors reviewing both facilities against eight national standards across four days.

The standards are dignity and choice, personal care and clinical care, services and supports, organisational environment, feedback and complaints, human resources, governance and ongoing assessment and planning with residents.

The health service’s director of clinical services, Peter Armstrong, said the process involved interviews with residents and families, a review of clinical records and care plans, an observation of the environment and the care, and staff interviews.

“All aged care homes are subject to these reviews on a regular basis and the full unannounced review happens every three years,” he said.

“This result offers assurance to the local community, to our residents and their families and to our health service that the care provided is safe and of the highest standard.

“The services provided are delivered by an enthusiastic and compe- tent team with support from partner services like the Ararat Medical Centre. Our partnership is strong and serves the local community well.”

Willaura Health Care is due two accreditations and the health service has submitted its self-assessment.

Mr Armstrong said the health service continued to respond to Aged Care Royal Commission recommendations, released in May 2021 following extensive review and consultation of the aged care sector in Australia.

He said the recommendations were listed under five pillars — being home care, residential aged care services and sustainability, residential aged care quality and safety, workforce and governance and are actioned through the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

Mr Armstrong said information, training and actions required were provided as they occurred and the health service also received weekly updates from the State Government Aged Care Branch.

Significant changes have occurred to the Serious Incident Reporting Scheme, the introduction of the new aged care funding system, Australian National Aged Care Classification, more opportunities to recruit and train staff, more home care packages and access to respite care.

ABBY WALTER