The Riverina-based organisation, which has an office in Albury, emerged on top from a field of seven contenders for the services provided by council for more than a decade.

Intereach’s takeover gained the council’s seal of approval at a special meeting last night, but the final tick off has to come from federal and state departments.

The service was going to be based from the Jindera multi-purpose centre after operating from rented premises in Albury.

But in late March the council decided it wanted to leave the service which is externally funded to the tune of about $1 million per year.

An increasing standard of service from rival providers prompted a re-think from the council.

It began an expressions of interest process and also received submissions from Age Concern, Aspire Support Services, Forrest Centre, Kirinari Community Services, Lutheran Aged Care and United Protestant Association.

These were assessed by a panel which included Greater Hume corporate and community services director David Smith and council’s community services co-ordinator Jody Whitley.

A report considered by council last night stated the panel was impressed by Intereach’s work in involving the community in the operation of its aged and disability care programs.

“Intereach’s approaches are very much inclusive and reablement focused,” the report said.

“Intereach is also at an advanced stage of implementing the person centred model of care which will increase the sustainability of its programs into the future.”

“Intereach is an organisation that looks beyond the silos of the service system and works with the attributes of the community to ensure clients and their families reach their potential.”

The Jindera multipurpose centre has been downsized, but will become home for the council’s children’s services unit and a customer service centre along with meeting and technology spaces.