DONNYBROOK is gearing up to support an ageing population with increases to both retirement and residential aged care facilities in the town.
Construction of a 14-bed extension at Tuia Lodge Aged Care Facility is on track for completion in August this year.
As well as 14 ensuite bedrooms, the extension includes a sensory garden with gazebo and waterfall, fully-equipped kitchen, laundry area, meeting and function rooms and extended office facilities.
The project represents an investment of $4.16 million, made up of a $2.76 million grant from the Department for Social Services, funds from Aged Housing reserves, community bequests and donations.
Tuia Lodge Board Chairman Lui Tuia said the community’s involvement had continued beyond the generous bequests that helped initiate it.
“For example, Donnybrook Farm Services delivered 2,500 cubic metres of sand free of charge and volunteers from the community came up and compacted it,” Mr Tuia said.
“This is a real community project.”
Meanwhile on the other side of town two new units at the Preston Village are nearing completion.
“These two to three bedroom homes offer residents independent living within walking distance of most amenities in Donnybrook,” Councillor Bernie Dawson said.
“As well as private gardens, the complex has a community hall, shared gardens and parking areas.”
Cr Dawson, who chairs the Preston Village Project Management Committee, said the completion of these two homes marked the finish of this particular stage of the complex.
The Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup is seeking expressions of interest in the Preston Village units, which will be completed in mid-April. There will be a gradual increase in residents at Tuia Lodge from mid-September.
