About SSHMMS

New Taps

Sutherland Shire Home Modification & Maintenance Service commenced operations in 1985. Funded under the Home & Community Care program (HACC) and auspiced by Sutherland Shire Information & Community Service (SSICS).

The service was originally located in a small office within the SSICS building in the shopping centre in Sutherland. Work commenced for the residents of the shire with one part time co-ordinator, and two part time field staff. In 1991 having well outgrown the office at Sutherland, the organisation became Incorporated and moved to its present location in the Office Tower within Westfield Shopping Town at Miranda. Our office is fully accessible to clients, with bus and train at the door and plenty of parking.

The organisation is managed by a community based management committee, which is elected annually at a public meeting. Currently the Management Committee consists of 10 members, whose skills are many and varied. Members of the committee are a retired accountant, an ex Government department manager, two or three consumers of the service, manager of a local community service agency, occupational therapists, community workers and interested members of the community. All members of the committee make very valuable contributions and bring many skills to their positions. Their guidance and support assists all staff members to fulfil their roles efficiently and effectively.

The organisation has grown considerably over the years, from a small part time beginning to the present. We have in the office a full time manager, part time financial co-ordinator and part time administrative co-ordinator. In the field we employ three full time staff, a trade supervisor and two staff, all carpenters by trade. We also call on the services of various sub-contractors, e.g. electricians, plumbers, tilers, lawn mowers and also handypersons for some of the maintenance jobs.

During 1998 a decision was made by the Management Committee to lease a workshop for our field staff. Most of our work is carried out in the field at client’s homes, but there are occasions, e.g. chair raisers, making timber rails etc., that need to be done off site. We are now leasing a small workshop at Taren Point which is used as a workshop and for storage of equipment, materials etc.