Regional aged care gets record funding boost

The Federal Government has announced more than $300 million to improve aged care in regional, rural and remote Australia. The package will fund 76 projects nationwide, with a focus on building new facilities, upgrading ageing infrastructure and providing staff accommodation to strengthen care services in smaller communities.

The largest single grant of just over $50.6 million has been awarded to Southern Cross Care Queensland to deliver a new residential aged care home in Broken Hill under the Aged Care Capital Assistance Program. The project is the most significant funded in this round and will replace outdated facilities such as Aruma Lodge, which is nearing the end of its operational life.

Southern Cross Care CEO Jason Eldering said the announcement was “an incredible day for the Broken Hill community.” He said the development would provide “modern, safe, and welcoming community spaces” and improve access to quality care close to home.

“Our vision is to grow communities where the best lives are lived, and this funding gives us the opportunity to make that vision a reality in Broken Hill,” he said.

Like many other providers operating in regional areas, Juniper in WA has encountered challenges when trying to find local accommodation for staff. Juniper has received $2.5 million that will go directly to replacing and building new accommodation in Fitzroy Crossing and Geraldton, next door to current facilities. Juniper’s CEO, Russell Bricknell says, “[the] announcement will strengthen Juniper’s position to keep older people in our regions connected to the people and places they love, as well as providing a home for our staff that provide compassionate and expert care.”

Local MP Jamie Chaffey welcomed the investment as a “game changer” for the far west.

“It means our aged residents will have access to quality care and accommodation locally, and it also means jobs for our people. And it means our community is stronger, more connected, and more hopeful,” he said.

Catholic Health Australia confirmed its members secured a total of $55 million in this funding round, with the bulk directed to the Broken Hill development. Smaller grants were allocated to Calvary Aged Care and Southern Cross Care facilities in Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia for improvements and staff accommodation. CHA Health Director Alex Lynch said the outcome recognised “the critical role Catholic providers play in delivering aged care” in regional and remote communities.

The Department of Health said the $300 million package demonstrates a commitment to addressing inequities between metropolitan and regional services and ensuring older Australians can remain closer to family and community as they age.