South West representatives celebrated the Manjimup Wellness and Respite Community Centre’s official opening on Friday, May 18.
Opened by Federal Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson, the centre houses the shire's Home Community Care team.
The facility focuses on home care, aged and disability services, and respite care.
The Home and Community Care program first started in 1987 in the shires of Boyup Brook, Bridgetown-Greenbushes and Manjimup.
The initiative was made possible through a grant application by Windmill Farm.
It was originally designed to support younger people with disabilities and elderly people.
Shire of Manjimup Home Community Care manager Liz Lockyear said the centre would provide valuable support for a range of people in the community.
"As well as providing support through the program (soon to change to the Commonwealth Home Support Program), we have expanded our services to include Commonwealth Home Care Packages and we are a National Disability Insurance Scheme provider,” she said.
“In July we will open our respite rooms and become a cottage respite provider too.
"I acknowledge the beginnings from Windmill Farms who still continue their valuable work by providing independent living homes for people with disabilities, previous managers, many staff and volunteers over the years, and the fabulous team we have now and our clients.”
Ms Lockyear thanked the National Stronger Regions Fund, LotteryWest, Shire of Manjimup, Royalties for Regions and the West Australia County Health Service for their help.
She also thanked the staff and volunteers who worked hard to raise funds.
Mr Wilson, before cutting the ribbon, said the centre would help to keep people in the South West.
"This was always going to be a great project, keeping people living in our towns and communities,” he said.
South West MLC Adele Farina and Member for Warren-Blackwood Terry Redman acknowledged the Shire of Manjimup for recognising the needs in the community.
Shire President Paul Omodei said the ceremony marked a “great day” for Manjimup.