A multi-million dollar redevelopment of Peter Sinclair Gardens in Hawks Nest is set to commence in the coming months and will almost double the size of the existing facility.

This comes as a result of the Federal Government’s announcement that RSL Care Ltd has been successful in securing an additional 25 federally-funded aged care places.

Making the announcement last week, Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie said the $6million expansion of the facility will provide a greater range of care options including additional dementia places.

“This is a wonderful announcement for not only the Hawks Nest-Tea Gardens area, but also the broader Lower Mid-North Coast region,” Dr Gillespie said.

”I have met with both the current and former Aged Care Ministers and departmental officials arguing the case for additional funding for aged and home care, particularly in our region where we have one of the highest demographics of elderly in the nation.”

“I am delighted that the Minister and her department are responding to the growing demand for these important services by investing millions of dollars in our region.”

Mid-North Coast RSL Lifecare Regional Manager Mr David Roose, said the additional places for the Hawks Nest facility will help meet growing demands.

“RSL Lifecare was pleased to receive an allocation of an additional 25 federally-funded aged care places and has allocated in excess of $6million to ensure that the building and surrounds meet resident need and community expectations,” Mr Roose said.

“The addition of further beds to the existing 41 will allow us to provide for the expected growth of an ageing population on the lower Mid-North Coast, in particular, a planned dementia specific area within the facility will meet a clearly identified need.”

Dr Gillespie said the, “project will deliver not only important social benefits for the local area but also many local economic benefits including new jobs both during and after construction.”

With Peter Sinclair Gardens serving the local community since 1992, Mr Roose said the new services and jobs will allow them to continue their strong links with the community.

“As the building gets under way there will be a need for additional staff, both direct care and ancillary, and this should also provide a direct benefit to the local area,” Mr Roose said.

“The facility has close ties with the community and community groups and looks forward to continuing these relationships.”

The redevelopment is expected to be completed in the second half of 2017.

By Daniel SAHYOUN