THE $6m Boandik Community Wellbeing Centre in Mount Gambier is on track to be completed in February and will usher in a new era of hydrotherapy rehabilitation.
The two-storey multi-space facility will house the Mount Gambier district’s first hydrotherapy pool, which has been a pressing community wish for more than 20 years.
Located at Boandik’s Lake Terrace East site, the impressive building also boasts office and activity spaces, a gymnasium for people over the age of 50, change room and toilets as well as an outdoor therapy rehabilitation area.
The construction project – one of a number in full swing across the city – is also generating economic activity with a variety of trades working at the site daily.
The new centre is part of Boandik’s vision to improve community wellbeing and enhance services.
Boandik chief executive Gillian McGinty said she was “thrilled” with the development, which would deliver a modern facility for the aged care provider.
She said the project had attracted more than $275,000 through its community partnership program, which was a remarkable result.
“This is absolutely amazing and fantastic.
“The Mount Gambier community is so generous and always supports community-based organisations,” Ms McGinty said.
The aged care leader said board members, community partners and staff toured the facility recently and reacted positively to the landmark project.
“They were very impressed with the spaces and its design.
“This is a centre for the community,” Ms McGinty said.
“The centre is designed to cater to all needs and abilities.
“The entire facility has user functionality at the forefront.”
She said the project remained on its timeline for completion, which was a credit to the builders.
“They have worked through all sorts of weather,” Ms McGinty said.
Although the community wellbeing centre was taking shape, she said the aged care provider would continue its community partnership program to raise money for infrastructure projects.
Once the wellbeing centre was completed, she foreshadowed the construction of a purpose-built dementia accommodation facility as the next project in the pipeline.
The community is also urged to support Boandik’s Longest Lunch Fundraiser, which will be held on Sunday, November 10 and The Barn.
Community groups are encouraged to contact Boandik to express interest in using spaces at the new building.
According to Boandik, the project aims to provide care and individualised services to maximise the independence of individuals.
The hydrotherapy pool will be available for the entire community and will have two forms of assisted access, with an in-built ramp to the pool and lifting equipment to enable people of all abilities to experience the benefits of hydrotherapy.
The community activity spaces and gymnasium will enable expansion of programs to support people.
The building’s footprint also includes meeting rooms in the centre that can be accessed by community groups.
Mossop Construction and Interiors was appointed as the builder for the project, which has used a variety of regional contractors.
