Community
15 March, 2024
Midfield donation kicks-off appeal
THE Camperdown Residential Aged Care Appeal was officially launched yesterday (Thursday) with a $100,000 gift from The Midfield Group.
South West Healthcare (SWH) hopes to raise $562,000 to furnish and equip its $39.6 million aged care facility in Camperdown, which is set to open mid next year.
Donations will be used to help fund identified needs including the equipping and furnishing of 36 residents’ bedrooms, the establishment of kitchen and therapy gardens, the purchase of a commercial barbecue and outdoor furniture, the decking-out of a hair and nail salon, and the equipping of an indoor gym.
The Midfield Group donation will finance a $40,000 purpose-built aged care outdoor exercise circuit, and furnish and equip four of the 36 bedrooms, including two specifically designed for people with special needs.
A $147,000 bequest will fund, as was the wish of late Camperdown stalwart Pam Redgewell, for the purchase of a new $100,000 residents’ bus along with the furnishing and equipping of another four bedrooms.
The auction proceeds of the current Merindah Lodge bus, successfully fundraised for in 2016, will also be put towards the appeal.
South West Healthcare chief executive officer Craig Fraser said the support of local communities was critical to this appeal.
“We’re calling on all businesses, clubs, groups, workplaces, schools, churches, families and individuals to help us raise the money we need to equip and furnish this stunning facility, inside and out,” he said.
“We know this is a really big ask but this is our one chance to make this new residential facility for some of our most vulnerable community members the very best it can be.”
Being built alongside SWH’s Camperdown hospital, the new aged care facility will replace the existing 48-year-old Merindah Lodge, officially opened in 1976.
The new facility comprises 36 bedrooms with ensuites (including special purpose, disability compliant, and rooms for couples) grouped in small households to create home-like environments.
Incorporating best practice, evidence-based aged care design underpinned by dementia-friendly principles, there are multiple resident and family living and dining spaces including discreet indoor, outdoor and activity-dedicated areas.
Inside there’s will be community café, a gym, a reflection space, and a hair and nail salon.
Outside, extensive landscaping will promote physical and mental wellbeing and encourage social interaction via a kitchen garden in addition to the Midfield Group-financed exercise circuit and multiple spaces for families and friends to come together.
“We believe the architecture maximises stunning views towards the lakes and craters Camperdown is so well known for,” Mr Fraser said.
