Shire of Manjimup Community Home Care is pleased to announce that the Wellness and Respite Community Centre project is 90% complete. The project is moving into its final stages with the builder confirming practical completion for April 2018.
The Shire's aged and disability services are scheduled to relocate its administrative offices and Day Centre on April 16. The senior community is abuzz with excitement at the prospect of this soon to be open, community multi-function facility and the anticipation and excitement of staff and clients is tangible.
Manjimup Community Home Care has already taken delivery of eight state-of-the-art beds and equipment for the respite wing and it is anticipated that respite services will be available from the beginning of July 2018. Bookings have already been taken for both respite beds and conference room hire, reinforcing the demand in the community for both facilities.
The building's central courtyard is nestled privately within the complex and the utilisation of dementia design principles will provide a green and sensory haven for both clients and staff.
Shire President Paul Omodei is excited for the project to come to fruition, explaining how this facility will provide ongoing support for the ageing members of the community, assisting people to age in place. "It is extremely exciting to see this project finalised, and we thank the following for funding to see the project through: the Australian Government's National Stronger Regions Fund', LotteryWest, Home and Community Care, Royalties for Regions, and Southern Inland Health Initiative."
The Shire has been putting the wheels in motion for many years now for projects such as this which will enable people to remain independent and in their own home, for as long as possible as they age," said Cr Omodei. "It will also provide much needed support and relief for family members and carers, because their wellbeing is also extremely important."
On a local level, construction of the Wellness & Respite Community Centre has created substantial employment opportunities, averaging eight local employees on site throughout the course of the project:
- in excess of 30 local businesses have been utilised;
- three local apprentices have worked on site;
- two local men have been engaged as site labourers;
- one of the local men will now be pursuing a career in the construction industry and is just commencing his studies at university; and
- ongoing positions for 30 employees including support workers, home maintenance staff, administration, gardener, 30 volunteers and six more employees to be appointed shortly including registered nurses, enrolled nurses and respite staff.
The grand opening of the Wellness and Respite Community Centre is set for May 2018.