Plans underway to keep seniors close to home

PLANS to expand Karinga Village have taken another step forward, with two new self-contained units due to arrive in December as Wee Waa & District Aged Care Inc. seeks community support to help fund the project.

“The goal of Wee Waa & District Aged Care Inc. is to provide safe and affordable housing within the local community,” committee member Pat Kiem said.

Mrs Kiem highlighted the importance of having aged care options in Wee Waa so residents can stay close to family, friends and a familiar environment.

“Without facilities such as Weeronga (Whiddon) and Karinga Village, aged residents would not be able to stay in their local community and would have to move some distance away when they are no longer able to manage at home,” Mrs Kiem said.

“After a lifetime of being part of their community, this adds trauma and distress to those who are most vulnerable.”

To increase local aged care options, the committee has begun planning for the expansion of Karinga Village.

“Two new one-bedroom self-contained units have been ordered from a firm in Dubbo for delivery in December this year, and the committee is working towards being prepared to have the units up and running as soon as possible,” Mrs Kiem said.

The committee plans to approach local and district businesses to seek contributions towards the cost of the new units.

“With this in mind, we have applied for Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) endorsement through the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission and the Australian Taxation Office,” Mrs Kiem said.

“If successful, donations towards the new units will be tax-deductible.

“We hope to receive a favourable outcome in the coming weeks.”

In 2024, Karinga Village Aged Care and the local committee of Weeronga Hostel amalgamated to form Wee Waa & District Aged Care Inc.

Since the amalgamation, Mrs Kiem said the committee had focused on updating the units and grounds at Karinga.

“We are a non-profit incorporated organisation and, while our role is to foster and support aged care in Wee Waa and district, both at Weeronga and Karinga, our main emphasis has been on the improvement and expansion of Karinga Village,” Mrs Kiem said.

“Karinga Village currently has eight occupied units and, with the arrival of two new units in December, there will be a total of 10 units.

“Several units have been renovated with new floor coverings, kitchens and bathrooms, while carports have been built, outdoor areas improved and electrical work completed to ensure all installations are up to code.

“It is hoped we can continue to further expand the number of units available for accommodation over the coming years, as need and finances allow.”

Mrs Kiem said Wee Waa & District Aged Care Inc. and Karinga Village enjoy strong support from local volunteers, including Lions Club members, who donated a secure storage container for gardening equipment and other items.

“Whenever there is a need for assistance, whether it be providing labour or manning barbecues, the Lions Club is always ready to help with whatever task is required. Thank you, Lions,” Mrs Kiem said.

“Thank you to everyone for your support.

“Community member Terry Nancarrow is a whiz on the mower, having mowed the lawns at Karinga for several years.

“Your efforts are most appreciated, Terry.

“Special mention must also be made of Matt and Tegan Copelin, who are very generous with their time, attending to the many odd jobs that come up on a regular basis.”