Federal member for Page Kevin Hogan today announced funding of $2.1 million for 36 new residential Aged Care beds provided by the Whiddon Group in Grafton, which will create 100 new jobs.
The project will include the construction and extension of the Whiddon Group’s existing facilities, which will create an additional 60 jobs during the construction phase.
“This is great news for the elderly in the Clarence Valley, for job seekers and the local economy,” Mr Hogan said.
““The Government believes older Australians want and deserve to have the support and care they need to live active and healthy lives, and to continue to choose the aged care services they need.”
“I am pleased that new aged care places will help meet the growing aged care needs of older Australians in the Clarence.
The grant to the Whiddon Group is part of more than $5.6 million that is flowing to Aged Care Services across Page to fund 80 new Age Care beds and 34 Home Care places.
Mr Hogan announced in December that Dougherty Villas will get 20 additional Residential Care places costing $1.2 million.
“Older Australians across Page will benefit from 80 new residential aged care places, worth almost $5 million and 34 new Home Care Places worth almost $1 million.”
Research by RDA Northern Rivers has found the Clarence Valley/Northern Rivers has a higher proportion of population aged over 60 (23%), compared with the state average of 17%. This is forecast to rise to 31% by 2016.
