Construction phase to commence for the Wellness and Respite Community

MEDIA RELEASE - Construction at the Wellness and Respite Community Centre is ready to commence

June 2017

The reality of having a Wellness and Respite Community Centre (the centre) in Manjimup in the not-too-distant future is one step closer with the site works completed and construction works to now commence.

The centre is a multifunctional hub of services and facilities, which will support ageing in place and enable seniors, frail-aged persons, people with disabilities, people with dementia and their carers to live independent and fulfilling lives. It will be located in Manjimup on what is commonly known as 'Peace Park', bordered by Mount Street, Rose Street, Edwards Street and Bath Street.

Shire staff, Shire President Paul Omodei, building contractor Eddie Bullen, Project Manager Adam Roebuck along with several excited seniors visited the site on Wednesday 28 June to celebrate the commencement of the construction phase of the project.

Shire President Paul Omodei explained that though there has been so much support for the project from the community, as well as funding support received through both State and Federal programs which will see the project completed in its entirety, it only starts to become real once people see things happening onsite.

"The commencement of the construction phase shows the project is gaining momentum and represents a very exciting time for our community," said Cr Omodei. "It is a reminder that very soon, a building will start to materialise, which will house a facility that is set to change the dynamics of our region forever by providing additional services that will help people age in place."

The project started to evolve in late 2014 when the Shire dedicated $300,000 to the construction of the centre and then received $750,000 of federal HACC funding. This was followed by an announcement of a further $1,044,000 of Lotterywest grant money in August of 2015 for the same purpose. In addition, the Southern Inland Health Initiative and Royalties for Regions chipped in $92,021 and $249,365 respectively, which was capped off by a Federal contribution of $1,610,310 through the National Stronger Regions Fund.

For further information and background on this project, visit the wellness centre page.

-ENDS-

Authorised by Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer

Contact Sheri Laba, Public Relations Officer

Contact: 9771 7777

Contact for comment: Paul Omodei, Shire President.

Contact: 0448 810 773