Co-operative Care Wagin connects with community at Wagin Street Carnival

Co-operative Care Wagin made its community debut at the Wagin Street Carnival in December 2024, giving local residents a preview of the innovative health and social care initiative. Convenor Wendy Pederick and fellow directors took the opportunity to showcase how the co-operative will help address critical care needs in the Wheatbelt community, located 230 kilometres southeast of Perth. Residents were eager to learn more about the initiative, with many stopping by to collect information show bags and get a first look at the co-operative’s new logo.

As the first officially registered co-operative under the federal government’s Care Together program, Co-operative Care Wagin aims to transform how residents access essential health and aged care services. The co-operative will provide a health concierge service to help members navigate the healthcare system and access telehealth services while also coordinating community volunteer support for services like medical transport – addressing a crucial gap for the town’s 1,800 residents who sometimes face journeys of up to 300 kilometres for care.

The co-operative’s presence at the Wagin Street Carnival marks an important step in building community awareness and engagement. By connecting directly with potential members and volunteers, the co-operative is fostering the “village awareness” that will be vital to its success. This grassroots approach aligns with the co-operative’s core mission of keeping residents in their homes and community as they age while maintaining the social connections that make Wagin special.