$6.33 million funding for Northern Territory
Senior Territorians will receive a greater level and choice of quality care and support with the development of a new federally-funded 65-single room with ensuites residential aged care home in Darwin.
The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, has visited Darwin to discuss the Southern Cross Care project with the Territory Government and the Federal MP for Solomon, Damian Hale.
Mrs Elliot said one of her first tasks as a minister had been to approve national funding for the Aged Care Approvals Round, with the Territory receiving $6.33 million for the provision of additional aged care places.
The announcement also included capital grants comprising:
· A $6 million commitment to Southern Cross Care to help build a new 65-bed residential aged care facility in Darwin; and
· A $334,000 commitment to The Juninga Centre in Nightcliff to upgrade its fire system.
“Having the new Southern Cross Care service will significantly improve access to residential aged care in Darwin, and increase the choice available to future residents and their families,” Mrs Elliot said.
Mr Hale said “Southern Cross’s investment in this Darwin Aged Care facility will be a welcome addition to critical infrastructure for Solomon Seniors”.
Southern Cross Care is a national not-for-profit organisation that operates 14 residential aged care facilities as well as providing a number of community care, hospice and rehabilitation services.
While the site for the new home has yet to be finalised, the new development will have a distinct NT theme and feel, featuring single ensuite rooms, outdoor shaded areas and tropical landscaping.
The Southern Cross Care application would have 33 high care places and 32 low care places upon completion in 2009.
The Northern Territory has always had a different population profile compared with other parts of Australia. The over 65s comprise one in 20 in the Northern Territory population, whereas the Australian average is about one in eight.
While it has an overall younger population than any other state or territory, it has a significant gender imbalance in middle age and older years where men outnumber women by 122 to 100 – elsewhere in Australia, women outnumber men.
