Excitement builds for respite centre start

A fully operational Wellness and Respite Centre is one step closer following the start of the construction phase of the project.

The centre will be a hub of services and facilities to help seniors, frail-aged people, people with dementia and people with disabilities and their carers to live independent lives.

The $4 million project was made possible through local, State and Federal funding and construction should be completed by mid 2018.

Home and Community Care clients met with Manjimup Shire Council representatives and builders TDC Projects at the site last Wednesday to get a tour of the progress and hold an official turning of the sod.

HACC client Peg Johnstone said the centre was going to be a big benefit for Manjimup and the region.

“I think we’re very lucky to have this coming for us,” she said.

Fellow client Judy Roach said she had been looking for somewhere to volunteer and was looking forward to the opportunity of doing so at the centre when it opened.

Another HACC client Dee Giles said she was looking forward to the new day centre.

Manjimup shire president Paul Omodei said the start of the construction phase was a nice reminder the project was gaining momentum.

“This is a historic occasion which will be a boon for the seniors of our community,” he said.

“I don’t think we can understate the importance of respite for seniors and their families.”

“We also need to pay tribute to Home and Community Care staff who prepared the various grant applications to.”

The construction project uses local contractors and will be located at Peace Park, adjacent to Mount Street.