KILLARNEY Memorial Aged Care has begun building works on stage one of their major renovations and expansion.
The building team managed by Kehoe Meyers Engineers and GJG Architects, met in Killarney for their first project meeting this week.
Architect Gary Garnett said he was pleased to see the project underway before the end of the year, with building set to commence next year.
“We only began working on a master plan for the whole of Killarney Aged Care in April this year, so it has been very quick to get off the ground,” Mr Garnett said.
The Federal Department of Health and Ageing awarded Killarney a major building grant in July this year, allowing works to commence straight away on stage one of a 25- bed extension.
The grant will be used to build a new wing and renovate some of the older areas of the home, according to facility manager Anne Hickey.
“The total project will cost about $700,000 and grants will cover one half of the building costs,” Mrs Hickey said.
In addition to the nursing home services, plus the medical centre with Dr Leith Geisel, KMAC offers a meals on wheels service, home help and gardening, a driver/transport service to Toowoomba and Brisbane, and day respite for families who need day care services or short-term accommodation.
Killarney Memorial Aged Care has had a successful year, after recently entering and winning the prestigious Regional Queensland Excellence in Aged Care Award. Up against competition from all over the state, Killarney was selected for the top award due to their innovative and high quality aged care programs.
Mrs Hickey said the award proved that even a small town like Killarney could be a top service provider.
“We are second to none in our elderly and dementia care, and we are really much more than a nursing home now, with a busy GP, physio, pathology and other allied health services,” she said.
The award was present to Mrs Hickey and assistant facility manager Janine Hegarty, at an awards ceremony attended by Dr Anthony Lynham MP, Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mine and Mr Rod Stewart, state manager for Prime Super, in Brisbane on Friday 21 October 2016.
