Western Downs leaders, healthcare providers call for grant to expand Chinchilla aged care facility

Western Downs leaders and healthcare providers are calling for a $3.22m grant from the federal government to help upgrade ‘ageing’ healthcare facilities in Chinchilla.

Community leaders and health providers throughout the Western Downs region have thrown their support behind a $3.22m proposal that would help provide more services at an “ageing” aged care facility in Chinchilla.

Southern Cross Care Queensland has called for the federal government to help deliver an Age Well Community Centre at Illoura Village that would include day respite care and transport, homecare services and access to allied health professionals such as mental health, exercise physiology, a gym and a hydrotherapy pool.

SCCQ’s CEO, Jason Eldering said the aged care facility was a crucial part of the town’s “backbone”.

“Its foundations rest with the local community, who sought to deliver a place where local residents could age in a place where they have established belonging and connection, and where they have raised their families often over generations,” he said.

The proposal also included health and wellness services such as programs that assist in combating loneliness and isolation, that would be offered to those in the wider community not just residents in aged care.

Illoura Chinchilla. Picture: Casey Bron

“Community connection is critical for families who can find themselves in times of crisis and in need,” Mr Eldering said.

“The Age Well Community Centre will enable people to come together where services, care and support are accessible locally, where they are needed most.”

A huge redevelopment has already begun at Illoura Village, which saw SCCQ be granted $14m to deliver a new aged care home, which currently provides a home for up to 66 residents.

SCCQ said an additional $3.22m would enable the completion of the campus with the addition of the Age Well Community Centre.

Mayor Paul McVeigh said the Western Downs Regional Council would continue to advocate for the local healthcare services that provide “whole of life” care to residents.

“We are supportive of any investment that seeks to improve the lives of people who choose to call the Western Downs home now, and into the future,” he said.

SCCQ announced the plans and asked for community feedback at a Town Hall meeting in Chinchilla in 2021, and a spokesperson for the organisation said engagement with residents would continue throughout the development process.

Construction of the aged care upgrades will begin mid-year.

Originally published as Western Downs leaders, healthcare providers call for grant to expand Chinchilla aged care facility