Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells today announced Round 2 of the Government's Aged Care Capital Assistance Program, with $200 million of taxpayers' money made available to upgrade existing infrastructure and build extensions.
Round 2 has been expanded to include all regional, remote and rural areas (Modified Monash Model 2-7 classifications) as well as homes that support First Nations communities, including in cities.
The amount of grants made available is more than the $135 million Round 1 program, which was only made available to MM5-7 homes and homes supporting First Nations and those at risk of becoming homeless. Not For Profit Uniting NSW.ACT secured $530,000 to undertake a much-needed upgrade of its Taralga aged care home in the NSW Southern Tablelands, 237km west-southwest of Sydney's CBD. Uniting’s Head of Seniors Services, Saviour Buhagiar said the grant helped ensure the aged care home's future.
"As Minister for Aged Care I have visited 50 facilities and seen first hand the difference that modern and comfortable environments can make to quality of life," said Anika Wells.
“This $200 million in funding will provide the support some of our regional and rural providers need to bring their facilities into the modern era and create beautiful, caring environments."
The two largest grants in Round 1 went to Not For Profit St Vincent de Paul Society NSW's Frederic House in Waterloo, 3km south of the Sydney CBD, for nearly $10 million, and Not For Profit Matthew Flinders Care Services' Matthew Flinders Home in Port Lincoln, on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula, about 300km west of Adelaide, for nearly $13 million.
Under the Program, the Government will make up to $605.7 million available in total until 30 June 2027, and from 2027–28, at least $161 million per annum will be made available on an ongoing basis.
Information about the Stage 2 grants, including eligibility, are available on GrantConnect (GO6989). Applications close on Thursday 29 August 2024 at 2pm (AEST).
