Council defends contract

The council’s general manager of people and communities Neville Ivey said the tender process was rigorous, fair and transparent.

It comes after Ballarat Health Services confirmed jobs would go at the organisation following the loss of the Meals on Wheels contract.  BHS has provided the service to the community through the council since 1969.

However, the most recent three-year contract with BHS expired at the beginning of the year.

Mr Ivey said the decision to select the I Cook Catering Service in Dandenong instead of renewing a longstanding contract with BHS came after council officers conducted site visits to catering premises of all the applicants.

“Discussions were held with their supply companies and extensive consultation (was undertaken) with Meals on Wheels clients and community members,” Mr Ivey said.

The council refused to comment on whether it would save ratepayers money by outsourcing the contract.

It also declined to comment on whether the new service was cheaper than the cost of the previous contract.

“The contract with I Cook is commercial in confidence,” Mr Ivey said.  

He said I Cook Catering Service was a family-owned company with about 50 employees.

Earlier this week, BHS spokesman Daniel Anderson said the organisation was still in the process of evaluating the impact the loss of the contract would have on staffing levels. 

The Courier understands there will be multiple job losses and some staff may also have their hours cut.

Concerns have been raised about the impact the service’s shake-up will have on existing volunteers and vulnerable community members who rely on it daily.  But Mr Ivey said the running of the service would not be impacted by the changes.

He said community members who were not home when their food was delivered were still able to pick up their meals from the new Meals on Wheels hub in Mair Street. Previously, residents were able to pick up their meals from BHS directly. 

“The service does not presently have regular clients who collect their meals,” Mr Ivey said. “It’s usually new clients discharged from hospital who collect their meal on their way home.”

“The City of Ballarat acknowledges and thanks Ballarat Health Services for the high-quality service it delivered to Ballarat residents for 47 years.”

About 2000 meals are delivered every week through the service.