Respect, a leading not-for-profit aged care provider in regional Australia, has announced a $15 million redevelopment project for its residential aged care home, Avonlea, located in Nhill.
The project, set to commence in the second half of 2024, will secure ongoing services and support for older people and their families across Nhill and the surrounding region for generations to come.
The redevelopment has received substantial support from the Federal Government, with Respect successfully securing a development grant of $7.6 million to contribute to the project.
Jason Binder, Managing Director and CEO of Respect, expressed his excitement for the project, stating, “This redevelopment is a major success for both Avonlea and the community. It will bring significant benefits to residents, families, staff, local business, and the community at large now and in the future”.
“The generous support from the Federal Government demonstrates the significance of this project. We are extremely grateful for their recognition of Avonlea’s vital role in the local community, and their trust and confidence placed in us to deliver the project.
” Barry Jinks, Avonlea’s General Manager, said the news of the redevelopment has been greeted with great enthusiasm by the home’s community, including current residents and staff.
“We’re all very much looking forward to seeing first-hand Avonlea grow and develop,” he said. “Not only will our home’s facilities and services undergo crucial updates to ensure residents can continue to enjoy a great quality of life, but our staff will be supported through more functional and upgraded spaces.
“Most importantly, we’re looking forward to ensuring Avonlea can support the older people of Nhill, and the redevelopment will allow us to continue to do that.”
The project will undergo two stages of construction over an 18-month period and will include a wholesale redevelopment of the home. This includes completely renovated modern rooms, additional rooms, new living, lounge, kitchen, dining and outdoor areas, gardens, and the installation of new furniture, equipment, and operational services.
When completed, the redevelopment will increase Avonlea’s capacity to 48 aged care rooms, with a further nine assisted living units also available.
“The whole home will be best-in-class, and we’re excited to offer that to Nhill and its surrounding communities. Aged care services are a critical part of regional communities, and too often, we see them shifted away, which is detrimental to the wellbeing of older people who have lived in a town their entire lives. We are incredibly proud to provide ongoing services in regional Australia, and we are genuinely excited that the people of Nhill can now have such a wonderful home as part of their community, “ added Mr Binder. “This redevelopment will not only elevate the quality of life for our current residents but also ensure that we can continue to meet the growing needs of the community.”
The project will also have significant economic benefits for he region by creating a diverse range of employment opportunities and flow-on benefits to local business. The redevelopment will leverage local skills and expertise while also bringing in the additional expertise needed for the complex project.
“Upgrading Avonlea will also create economic growth and jobs for the people of Nhill and the surrounding region,” said Mr Binder. “Aside from using local workers where we can, workers from outside the area will require accommodation, food, and other services, which will significantly benefit local shops, pubs, restaurants, and other businesses.”
In addition to the economic benefits during the construction phase, the expanded capacity at Avonlea will create additional job opportunities for nurses, care workers, and support staff. This growth not only offers employment prospects but also makes Nhill a more attractive place to live and work, potentially increasing the local population.
“We are committed to being a key employer in the region and supporting the local economy. By increasing our staffing levels and providing an attractive workplace, we can not only give exceptional care to our residents but offer meaningful employment opportunities for locals, while attracting new people to the community,” added Mr Binder.
The development is a testament to Respect’s passion to ensure great care is received by older people in regional communities.
For more information about Respect and its work, go to respect.com.au
This article appeared in the Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times, 10 July 2024.
