The organisation has signed a Merger Implementation Deed with another not for profit home and community care provider, ADSSI Limited, who trade as Adssi In-home Support, Maitland Community Care and Beresefield Community Care.

"We are working through the steps to allow the merger to proceed on 1st January 2021," said Cherylin Brown, General Manager of Dungog and District Neighbourcare Inc.

Ms Brown said the merger is not out of necessity, but by choice, to secure Neighbourcare's future in Dungog with the support of a larger, like-minded organisation.

Neighbourcare has been a vital part of the Dungg Shire community since the early 1990s.

Managed by a board of local people it provides a range of home support services that can assist people to live actively, independently and safely at home.

The merger brings to four the number of organisations who have been welcomed into the ADSSI Limited group.

"Like us, the three organisations have supported their local communities for several decades, and this merge ensures we continue to flourish as part of a larger organisation," said Ms Brown.

"For Dungog and District Neighbourcare clients, it will be business as usual as the same local staff and volunteers continue to support their local communities to remain living independently.

"They will retain their name and brand identity, further ensuring continuity all for stakeholders."