1 Feb

$19m upgrade to Meilene Aged Care home now completed

Anglicare Southern Queensland celebrated the completion of a $19 million redevelopment at its Meilene Residential Aged Care Home in Bundaberg yesterday, Tuesday 31 January, with a formal blessing by the Right Reverend Cameron Venables.

Anglicare Southern Queensland’s Chief Executive Officer Sue Cooke, said that the redevelopment adds an additional 36 beds to the home, upgrades to all accommodation and community areas, along with the grounds, and will create up to 144 new jobs for the region.

“We know that Bundaberg has an ageing population as well as a higher proportion of people with chronic health conditions including dementia, compared to the rest of Queensland. With that, brings an increased demand for aged care services,” Ms Cooke said.

“The redevelopment of Meilene includes an extension to all accommodation areas, taking the home from 52 to 88 single ensuited rooms including an expansion of our memory support unit from 16 rooms to 24 rooms.

“The redevelopment has added a further sense of community for our residents and visitors by improving access and connectivity. We have also invested in significant refurbishments throughout the entire home to create a modern, comfortable and quality residential environment.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate the completion of the redevelopment, and ultimately offer improved access to high quality residential aged care in regional Queensland,” Ms Cooke said.

Hutchinson Builders completed the redevelopment over six stages with complete works including improved multi-purpose community facilities that can be used for special events and celebrations; an upgraded community area; a self-serve café and lounge area for visitors that opens onto an outdoor area; a multimedia and library area; new outdoor children’s play area; new furnishings, fixtures and fittings throughout the home; individual air conditioning to each room; and improved car parking.

Right Reverend Cameron Venables did a formal blessing of all areas of the home which was followed by a delicious lunch and a tour for all visitors and families.

For more information about Anglicare Southern Queensland, visit: www.anglicaresq.org.au