Last week’s Victorian state budget included a $162 million package to build public aged care facilities at local hospitals in the regional towns of Cohuna, Maffra, and Numurkah.

The Victorian Government will spend:

• $38.2 million to build a 24-bed co-located facility at Cohuna District Hospital,
• $69.7 million on a 30-bed facility at Maffra District Hospital campus, and
• $54.3 million for a 36-bed facility at Numurkah Hospital campus.

Cohuna is 274km north of Melbourne (population 3,000), Maffra is 220km east of Melbourne (population 5,000), and Numurkah is 196km north of Melbourne (population 4,500).

The purpose-built facilities will cater to those with complex needs and the needs of those living with dementia.