Wagga Wagga Community Aged Care: Signature Care launch construction of Turvey Park site

A former air force base which became dormitories for Charles Sturt University students will soon transform into a contemporary aged care home for Wagga Wagga.

A former air force base which became dormitories for Charles Sturt University students will soon transform into a contemporary aged care home for Wagga Wagga.

The facility, to be known Wagga Wagga Community Aged Care, will be located at Turvey Park and be operated by Signature Care.

Federal Riverina MP Michael McCormack, Signature Care chief financial officer Graeme Croft and Signature Care general manager Martin Jones with construction workers.

Chief financial officer Stephen Pollock said there would be a rising demand for aged care beds across the next 20 to 30 years, as a result of an ageing population.

“The facility will cater for all facets of residential care including dementia care, and will relieve stress on hospitals as it will free up beds,” he said.

“(There will be) 144 beds, with an application made for another 44 beds, with helping those with dementia car in mind.”

The facility will inject a $12 million dollar investment into the community, which includes the creation of jobs and education programs.

Federal Riverina MP Michael McCormack inspecting the site.

Federal Riverina MP Michael McCormack on an excavator.

Signature Care general manager Martin Jones said residents would be comfortable at the facility.

“Each room will be a single room with its own private ensuite, individually controlled airconditioning, external access to a patio and king single fully adjustable beds,” he said.

“There will be 24/7 registered nurses, a full lifestyle program and we will cater for respite, permanent, high level and dementia care”.

The four acre facility will also become a hub for nursing students as Signature Care will provide training to students from Charles Sturt University, as well as opportunities for Tafe students.

Federal Riverina MP Michael McCormack attended the project launch and praised the investment in the aged care industry.

“(The facility) will help the locals of Wagga not need to travel as far to see loved ones,” he said.

“I am really pleased that Signature Care is making the investment in Wagga and see Turvey Park as an opportunity for a high care facility. It has all you want and is in a central location.”

Signature Care is developing another three sites in the Wagga region, and will operate seven by the end of the year.

Construction will be complete in October.