THE region’s largest aged care provider has called on the community to rally behind a proposed $4.8m wellbeing centre, which will include a long-awaited hydrotherapy pool.
Boandik launched its community partnership program on Thursday night and announced the project had already received over $100,000 in donations from community-minded locals.
Di Gould led a panel discussion with project manager Damien Spencer, Boandik physiotherapist Lydia Chiodze, Strength for Life participant Bill Hudd and Boandik chief executive Gillian McGinty.
Mr Spencer said local contractors and manufacturers would be employed during construction.
“It is quite steep where the footprint is going to be at the Lake Terrace site, so there will be earth works to start,” he said.
“The design will require primarily concrete construction on the ground floor and steel-based construction on the first floor and we will be trying to use local materials.
“At this stage we will be going to tender in November and we are hoping for a 10-month build.”
Mr Spencer said the design team would continue to investigate energy systems to heat the pool.
Ms Chiodze outlined the benefits of a larger space for Boandik’s over 50s exercise program.
“We can’t run the Strength for Life program the way we want because we don’t have enough space and we have a long waiting list, but we can’t take anyone else on,” she said.
“This new building will feature a gym to accommodate 20 people.
“It is so vital for people to stay active, especially as they age, to maintain their health and quality of life.”
Boandik chief executive Gillian McGinty said the hydrotherapy pool would benefit the wider community.
“This centre has to be used by the community to be financially viable and our vision is that this facility will primarily be for the community,” she said.
“We anticipate our residents will use the hydrotherapy pool 10pc of the time and 90pc of the time it will be available for football, netball and basketball clubs, allied health professionals and individuals.”
She said the centre would be open for extended hours to allow access to the pool early in the morning and later in the evening.
“I have heard stories about people with disability who travel to Portland to use the hydrotherapy pool there and people recovering from surgery who have had to delay their rehab,” Ms McGinty said.
“We see so much demand for this facility here.”
The project was given a kick start when it received $150,000 in State Government funding through the Fund My Neighbourhood program.
“The remaining funding will be generated through Boandik reserves, fundraising and the community partnership program,” Ms McGinty said.
“There are no government grants available for aged care capital works – Boandik has to accumulate funds for building upgrades.
“Through our community partnership program, we hope to develop ongoing relationships with our partners and work together to meet the needs of the community.”
A combined $130,000 has already been pledged towards the project from Maria Belmonte ($70,000), Ken and Carol Stafford ($25,000), Shirley Maney ($25,000), ASW Lawyers ($5000) and Alexander Simons ($5000).
“Our community has needed and wanted a hydrotherapy pool for many years and that has been endorsed by the early adoption of the program,” Ms McGinty said.
“We have not set a target – we are just appreciative of whatever we receive.”
