Not For Profit aged care provider Whiddon has completed a two-year, $13 million upgrade to its aged care homes in Narrabri, Wingham, and Bourke in regional and remote New South Wales.
The upgrade includes refurbishing 50 rooms, upgrades to common areas, the establishment of a dedicated palliative care unit, expansion of a 'home style' kitchen, and refurbishing of a dining area, among other improvements.
The project was possible thanks to a significant capital contribution from the Federal Government.
"Around 20% of our elders living in aged care are located in regional and remote Australia (MMM4-7)," wrote Whiddon CEO Chris Mamarelis (pictured) on LinkedIn.
"This important investment will benefit 300 residents and team members, improving living, lifestyle, care and wellbeing outcomes.
"These regional towns have also benefitted from the economic activity this investment has brought, including employment and vital spending directed at local business.
"Pleasingly the community is responding, with wait lists now being addressed and residents moving in, which finally means we can meet the need within these wonderful communities.
The builder across all three projects was PDA Building. "They have a proven track record with prior regional projects so were successful with this critical project," Chris told The SOURCE.
The architect on the project was Martin O’Toole Architects, who "understands Whiddon’s requirements" well, Chris said.
Whiddon also engaged Birdsmouth PM for construction project management, as the projects ran concurrently across a huge geographic footprint and were "logistically quite challenging".
Looking to future capital improvements, Chris said, "There is more to come."
