PDF printable version of Dementia Day Care Centre for Belmont - $1.5 Million (PDF 20 KB)
Joint Release
The Hon Justine Elliot MP
Minister for Ageing
Paul Lynch MP
Minister for Ageing
Minister for Disability Services
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs
Jill Hall MP
Member for Shortland
Robert Coombs MP
Member for Swansea
27 August 2009
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot and New South Wales Minister for Ageing and Disability Services, Paul Lynch, today announced the construction of a new dementia day care centre worth more than $1.5 million in Belmont in Lake Macquarie.
Minister Lynch, Member for Shortland, Jill Hall and Member for Swansea, Robert Coombs today visited the East Lake Macquarie Dementia Service Inc who are building the centre in the grounds of the Belmont Hospital.
The dementia day care centre is being jointly funded by the Australian ($900,000) and New South Wales ($600,000) Governments under the Home and Community Care (HACC) program.
HACC delivers affordable and accessible care to help meet the individual needs of older people, younger people with a disability, and their carers which helps them remain independent and in their own homes.
Minister Elliot said: “We are constantly reminded that as people age they want to remain independent and in their own homes and communities. Without Home and Community Care services, many people would have to move prematurely into residential care.
“The building of this dementia day care centre shows the Australian and New South Wales Governments working together and preparing for the future,” Minister Elliot said.
This facility is the 14th of 16 purpose-designed dementia-specific day care centres to be built across New South Wales in response to the increasing incidence of dementia.
Minister Lynch said: “In 2006 there were more than 73,000 people in New South Wales living with dementia and in by 2050 this number will increase to an estimated 227,000.
“Dementia day care centres are one way we are responding to the challenges of an ageing population.
“These centres can provide outings, day trips, support, nursing and allied health services to people with dementia and their carers,” Minister Lynch said.
Member for Shortland Jill Hall representing Minister Elliot at the announcement said: “This centre will provide a much needed boost to dementia services in the Lake Macquarie area.
East Lake Macquarie Dementia Service has a long history of excellence in the provision of dementia services in Lake Macquarie and the new centre will help meet the ever increasing demand for these services,” Ms Hall said.
The construction of the new facility is expected to generate up to eight full time jobs in the construction and manufacturing industries as well as jobs for architects, surveyors and project managers.
Member for Swansea, Robert Coombs said: “In addition to providing a much needed service the construction of the centre will provide jobs to people in our local area.
“Once completed the new centre is expected employ seven permanent employees and 11 permanent part-time carers,” Mr Coombs said.
It is anticipated that the building will be completed in late 2010.
HACC Facts
In 2009-10 the HACC program will receive funding of around $1.9 billion nationally, with almost $1.2 billion of this contributed by the Australian Government.
In 2008-09 NSW received joint funding of $546.3 million, of which the Australian Government contributed almost $327.0 million and the NSW Government $219.3 million.
In 2007-08, over 830,000 people across Australia received HACC services.
Media Contacts: Mrs Elliot's office: 02) 6277 7280
Mr Lynch’s office: 0408 602 936
Ms Hall’s office: 02) 4947 9711
Mr Coombs: 0417 227 958
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