The Federal Government’s Job Keeper package, which will enable many businesses around Australia to remain operating, has been welcomed by local health care centre ATUNE.
Since the coronavirus (COVID-19) became a pandemic, the local health care provider has experienced a business downturn of more than 70 per cent.
ATUNE Health Centres CEO, Simon Ashley, admits that it whilst they are an unlikely victim of the worldwide crisis, the Job Keeper package provides that extra security during these unpredictable times.
“While many of our health practitioners including GPs are providing consults and essential health support via phone and video to our community, important and acceptable restrictions on social distancing to reduce contagious risk have meant that there is less demand for health services,” he said.
“Many of our staff are very concerned about their financial future and their family homes. The Job Keeper subsidy will be a blessing and will enable us to put some cash into their hands to allow them to live and keep their family homes.”
Simon said that the package will allow for their team to keep doing their job for the greater community and that these supports will be a blessing for many local businesses.
“Our aim now is to hold our team together as best as we can. The Job Seeker package along with some of the other support platforms that are being driven by government and the private sector will go a long way to helping local businesses,” he continued.
ATUNE provides more than 25,000 people with access to 16 different health and allied health services.
ATUNE is currently redeveloping the old Cardiff South squash courts into an integrated health centre. Work continues on the development due to financing arrangements being in hand well before the pandemic.
On completion, the building will be transformed into a multipurpose centre with 30 consultation rooms which includes seven medical suites, pathology services, two Pilates and yoga studios, 100 seat auditorium, hydro pool, rehabilitation gym, a café specialising in organic food and beverages and health food store. The development will also retain eight squash courts.
IMAGE | ATUNE Health Centre team
