Whiddon’s Narrabri Jessie Hunt facility will benefit from almost $1.5 million in upgrades.
The aged care provider is among many to receive support from the Commonwealth government in the Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR).
Locally, the improvements at Jessie Hunt will include accommodation refurbishment, enhancement of equipment and amenities, enhanced living spaces and infrastructure and systems upgrades.
Director of care services at Whiddon Narrabri, Sara Cameron said the announcement of the grant is a great boost for the local community.
“Whiddon has been part of the Narrabri community for more than 40 years,” she said.
“We are very proud to provide quality care and support to the older people in our wonderful community.”
“This grant will help us to further enhance our accommodation offering, systems and infrastructure and ensure that we are meeting the needs of our local community,” Whiddon Narrabri’s director of care services, Sara Cameron said.
Whiddon’s Narrabri Jessie Hunt facility received $1,457,508 while centres in Walgett and Bourke were awarded $986,840 and $205,073, respectively.
The organisation’s chief executive officer Chris Mamarelis welcomed the announcement and said the grants will bring a range of benefits to these local communities now, and into the future.
“This is exciting news for Whiddon and our communities alike,” he said.
“The capital grants will allow for exciting upgrades, ensuring that older people in these communities have greater access to quality aged care services so they can stay living in the communities they know and love.
“The infrastructure improvements will allow Whiddon to progress with further enhancements of our care homes. Funding directed towards the provision of care in regional locations is vital in ensuring the ongoing viability of our services and importantly in keeping the community connected with their loved ones.”
Before lockdown restrictions were introduced in regional NSW, Member for Parkes Mark Coulton joined local staff and residents in celebrating the funding announcement in Narrabri.
Mr Coulton said the injection of funds will be used for significant infrastructure upgrades across each of the three facilities.
“This funding represents more than just bricks and mortar; it’s about reinforcing the future of care for senior Australians across the North West of my electorate,” he said.
“It offers peace-of-mind and security not only for local residents already in care and their families but also those who are carefully considering the next phase of their life.”
Federal Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck echoed similar sentiments to Mr Coulton.
“Investing in aged care infrastructure means we can improve the quality and safety of residential aged care from the ground up,” he said.
“Safe, secure and comfortable residential care homes, designed around the needs of residents, provide the foundation for our five-pillar, five-year aged care reform plan.”
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