With the extension of the its Home for the Aged under way, Mid Murray Council has predicted that it will provide direct and indirect gains. The $1 million extension at the main centre of the community owned Mid Murray Home for the Aged in Mannum will increase occupancy from 10 to 33 beds.
Currently the facility has a staff of eight people, however with the completion of the extension, this is expected to increase to 12 or 13, providing additional employment. The facility has established a positive working relationship with the local hospital, which is located close to the home.
The Mid Murray area has a high percentage of older people, with many originally soldier settlers. With that in mind, it is expected that the number of people aged over 60 by 2010 will be greater than those people under 60.
Funding for the $1 million extension includes $556,000 received from the Federal Government, $176,000 from Veteran Affairs, and the rest of the money from Mid Murray Council and in kind support from the community. The economic flow on from the facility is also expected to generate substantial expenditure within the area, with families visiting relatives at the facility, and thus spending money on goods and services available in the area.
With tourism as one of the area’s key industries, visitors can create a flow on effect by telling others about the Mid Murray region. The extension is expected to be completed by February 2003, with residents moving in by March.
For further information, contact Councillor Peter Smith on (08) 8569 2086.
