Clifton Community Health Services (CCHS), established in 1949, has long been a vital provider of health and aged care in its corner of rural Queensland. As a not-for-profit co-operative, CCHS delivers a comprehensive range of services, including a Medical & Allied Health Practice, a Private Hospital, Residential Aged Care, Independent Living Units, Home Care, and more. Despite its modest size, CCHS is the second-largest employer in its district, directly supporting over 130 employees, numerous trainees and volunteers, and thousands of patients and clients.

In recent years, CCHS has faced significant financial challenges, reflecting broader issues that affect many rural aged care providers across Australia. With escalating workforce pressures compounding across the sphere of health services and limited economies of scale, the organization has struggled to maintain financial stability. This situation highlights the inadequacies of current funding models in supporting the complex, multidisciplinary care required in rural communities.

The era of relying solely on well-intentioned volunteers has passed, as the governance of aged care now demands specialized expertise and accountability. The question arises: Can financial compensation truly offset the significant risks associated with aged care governance? This dilemma is contributing to the unraveling of many regional communities, where the struggle to maintain viable health services is a daily reality. The presentation will offer a candid exploration of the challenges facing small rural providers from the perspective of a volunteer director.

CCHS is at a critical juncture, considering options such as merging with other regional providers, seeking acquisition by a larger entity, or even closing operations. Each of these paths has profound implications for the local community, which depends on CCHS for essential services, employment, and economic stability.

This presentation will advocate for urgent government intervention to support CCHS and similar rural providers, so we don’t lose more rural communities critical to the nation’s future. Key proposals include funding the development of a replicable model for sustainable rural health care and ensuring collaboration among regional providers to achieve economies of scale. Additionally, what policy changes does rural Australia need to remain viable across the care continuum?

The presentation will emphasize the necessity of collective action to preserve the vitality of rural communities. Without systemic reform and support, the very fabric of regional Australia is at risk, threatening the health and well-being of older Australians and the future of the communities they call home.