November 6, 2007

An aged care facility which focuses on providing services to the indigenous community will be established in Coffs Harbour following the announcement of a $470,000 grant.

The funding for the Yarrawarra Aged Care facility at Moonee, north of Coffs Harbour, was announced today during a visit to the Cowper electorate by Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of The Nationals, Mark Vaile.

The Nationals Federal Member for Cowper, Luke Hartsuyker, said Yarrawarra Aged Care Limited will receive $470,525 for its Multipurpose Indigenous Aged Care Centre project which will be home to 15 Aboriginal elders and their carers.

Mr Hartsuyker said the funds will be used to upgrade infrastructure and convert a motel into a permanent group home setting.

The motel site on the Pacific Highway at Moonee requires several major infrastructure upgrades;

• Design and construction of road access
• Wheelchair access to bathrooms in nine units
• Supply and installation of hot water system
• Supply and installation of air-conditioning to all rooms
• Upgrade of waste disposal system
• Purchase of white goods and computers

“When the upgrade is complete, the new Multipurpose Indigenous Aged Care Centre will provide respite care for Aboriginal elders and their carers, day care activity for on-site clients and those in the general indigenous community and supported living accommodation for clients who seek self care accommodation with minimal assistance,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

“The centre will also address unemployment issues for indigenous people by providing training and education programs through a partnership with North Coast Institute of TAFE and the Enterprise Training Company.”

The project will progress in three stages; the purchase of the site, the site upgrade and finally the addition of self-care accommodation, with today’s announcement of funding being directed towards stage two.