By Kath Gannaway
Ron Walker’s response to seeing his new room at AdventCare Yarra Ranges was typical of many of the residents.
“I don’t want to wait another day. I feel like getting a wheelbarrow and moving myself into my new room right now,” he joked.
He only had to wait a day or two after the official opening of Stage 1 of the redevelopment by Yarra Ranges Mayor Noel Cliff, on Thursday, 26 October, 2017.
The first stage, started earlier this year, has provided 19 fully compliant resident rooms with ensuite, a new lounge and courtyard, and upgraded decor and the upgraded external appearance of the facility.
Advent Care CEO David Reece said new furniture had been purchased, and thanked the many people and groups involved, mainly to a generous grant from the Upper Yarra Community Enterprise – Warburton/Yarra Junction Bendigo Community Banks.
“This has resulted in a warm and restful living environment for our residents,” he said.
Mr Reece said the decision 10 months ago to redevelop and expand the facility that was at the time under threat of closure was one made possible by tremendous community support.
He personally thanked everyone involved from the residents, family and friends to the architects and builders, Yarra Ranges Council, the Warburton Seventh-day Adventist Church members and the Advent Care Board who, he said, had faced many challenges and had made a good decision.
Mr Reece had two special ‘thank yous’, for church member Jeff Rippingale “for his dedication and selfless service” and for facility manager Colleen Hilbert who, he said, had been a strong leader throughout the disruption of the building redevelopment.
“This would not have been possible without your strong leadership, retaining life as usual for the residents and looking after your staff,” he said.
Cr Jim Child said the result was a credit to the community.
“This took a solid co-operative approach to get this outcome we see here today,” he said.
He thanked the Community Bank for their “fantastic contribution on behalf of the community” adding, “This is not just about one part of the community, it is about the whole community”.
The official opening was followed by a tour of the new facilities by invited guests, residents, their families and staff members.
The response was joyful. The spacious rooms, modern ensuite facilities, beautiful, locally-produced artwork and outlook to the courtyard all brought enthusiastic accolades.
For Personal Care Attendant Nick Licht who showed his parents Alex and Janet through his new workplace, it was about the potential for an enhanced life experience for the residents, and new facilities such as lifting equipment that would help staff achieve that.
“It’s about the liveability, the beautiful, light facilities, open showering rooms and other equipment that will make taking care of residents easier,” he said.
The second stage, expected to be completed mid-2018 will provide a further 13 new resident rooms, a second new courtyard and upgraded dining and lounge area and reception area.
When complete, the facility will increase from 31 to 42 beds and will serve the community of the Warburton and Yarra Valley.
“We are fortunate to have an excellent builder in Australian Building Enterprise and the work has progressed smoothly despite some unforeseen challenges in upgrading an older building,” Mr Reece said.
“We look forward to being able to provide permanent and respite residential care in Warburton for many years to come.”
