Construction is set to commence on local not for profit Anam Cara House Geelong’s new $22M purpose-built community hospice facility today on site at Deakin University, Waurn Ponds. Turning the first sod today, Anam Cara House Geelong’s Board Chair, Diana Taylor said that the new facility is expected to be completed by the end of 2022 and will be constructed by Nicholson Construction.
“This is a momentous day for not only the hardworking, dedicated, tireless staff, volunteers and supporters at Anam Cara, but also for the region who has a very real and growing need for greater choice in end-of-life care and carer respite.
“We want to thank the Australian Government, and in particular Senator the Hon Sarah Henderson, for the commitment of $5M to kick-start our vision in 2016. We want to also thank the Victorian Government for their recent commitment of $5M to enable us to commence construction, in particular The Hon Lisa Neville MP, Christine Couzens MP, Darren Cheeseman MP, The Hon John Eren MP and The Hon Gayle Tierney MP,” Ms Taylor said. “We have undertaken a significant amount of work to get to this point, supported by generous individuals and businesses in the Geelong community. We are overwhelmed and very grateful for $7m of philanthropic support from the community which has recognised the need for this service.
Philanthropic fundraising will continue, including a public campaign in June 2021 to provide the opportunity for the whole of Geelong to help us build the New Anam Cara. With construction soon to be underway, Anam Cara House Geelong is now focussed on planning for the expansion of services in time for completion. “Recruitment for medical staff, administration and volunteers needed to operate the expanded hospice services in the new facility will commence in the coming months. While the new facility will provide a significant boost to local hospice services and access to more respite care in the community, it will also deliver employment opportunities within the trade and healthcare sectors,” Ms Taylor said.
“We are delighted to have recently signed a Research & Teaching Agreement with Deakin University, which will result in an ongoing hands-on teaching partnership between The Faculty of Health, The School of Medicine and Anam Cara House Geelong. We are incredibly appreciative to Deakin University for enabling us to bring to life this service and benefits for our Geelong region in an incredibly beautiful, but also convenient, location,” Ms Taylor said.
