Celebration marks opening of nine new Glentarkie units

Idemitsu Australia’s Boggabri Coal’s contribution to Glentarkie: Supporting independent living for the elderly in Boggabri

The sun was shining bright, but not as bright as the smiles on the faces of the Glentarkie committee members and staff from Boggabri Coal at the official opening of the nine new Glentarkie units, which the mine has recently constructed.

In addition to the new units the works included a refresh of the facility, with upgrades to the landscaping, roads and fencing, all of which was proudly opened to the public last Wednesday.

Stewart Dunlop, general manager of Boggabri Coal, welcomed members of the Boggabri community to the event, and paid thanks to all those involved in the building of the nine new units. Special thanks were paid to Lisa Richardson who had been a strong advocate for Boggabri as a Narrabri Shire councillor. Mr Dunlop thanked the Glentarkie committee members, Narrabri Shire Council with particular thanks to planning staff Donna Ausling and Michelle Henry, architects from Hill Lockart, and Greg Bartlett Constructions.

The impact of the construction of the units was clear as Ron Boxsell, chairperson of the Glentarkie committee, gave a moving speech and provided a history of Glentarkie. Mr Boxsell and his wife May Boxsell have been involved with the Glentarkie committee for many years, and he wished the new residents “a long time and many happy years” in the units.

Mr Boxsell thanked his wife May, who at the time of the first opening was a committee member and in 1975 took over as treasurer and carried out that role for 44 years. Mrs Boxsell only gave up the position earlier this year when she went into care, making her contribution 55 years on the committee.

Narrabri Shire mayor Darrell Tiemens spoke to the positive impact of providing community infrastructure such as Glentarkie to a town like Boggabri. Cr Tiemens expressed his belief that additions to the town such as the new units will build a solid foundation for new people to move to the area. Cr Tiemens also paid tribute to Lisa Richardson and her commitment to the Boggabri community, he thanked Boggabri Coal, and Stewart Dunlop for championing the project and his leadership.

Rev Nick Stone from St Barnabas Community Church blessed the new units prior to the unveiling of the plaque by Cr Tiemens and Mr Boxsell. Morning tea followed as well as a tour of the completed units.

The Glentarkie committee initially approached Boggabri Coal in 2023 for financial assistance with the development of a master plan for the Glentarkie expansion. As the project progressed, Boggabri Coal committed to funding the construction of the new units.

Boggabri Coal developed a formal proposal to approach Narrabri Shire Council, suggesting that the delivery of these nine new units could fulfil the company’s housing commitment in Boggabri.

The council responded positively to the proposal, appreciating the benefits it would bring to the wider community. Following the council’s support, Boggabri Coal commenced a collaborative design process involving the Glentarkie Committee and local architects, Hill Lockart. This ensured the design of the new units met community needs and blended seamlessly with the existing facility.

Boggabri Coal’s involvement in the Glentarkie extension project demonstrates a strong commitment to giving back and leaving a lasting legacy in Boggabri. By investing in infrastructure that supports elderly independence, the company aims to ensure that all members of the community benefit from sustainable and inclusive development.

Glentarkie provides a caring little community and is a good transition for residents who need to downscale from a larger home while still allowing them to maintain their independence.
A brief history of the Glentarkie committee as told by Ron Boxsell.

The first special meeting to discuss the establishment of aged care in Boggabri took place in November 1967, instigated by Rev Laurie Seymour. Malcolm Ayton chaired the meeting, and it was attended by many members of the community including Keith Hall, Stan Donaldson, Jack Shaw, Cyril Haire, Cliff Lee, Geoff Nott, Bruce Gittoes, Colin Urquhart, Dick Nott, Bruce Baker, and Agnes Stivens.

The first foundation stone was laid on October 25, 1969, by Allan Morris, the son of the late Stanley Morris who donated the land on which Glentarkie stands. The first building was opened by the Social Services Minister at the time Bill Wentworth in May 1970.