The first sod has been turned on Care Goondiwindi’s new purpose-built disability respite and short-term accommodation complex, marking the start of construction thanks to a $281,000 Significant Grant from Hand Heart Pocket the Charity of Freemasons Queensland.
The grant will help to fund the construction of stage one of the $1.5M development in the regional South West Queensland town of Goondiwindi.
Care Goondiwindi Chief Executive Officer Tracy MacDonald said this was a momentous day for the organisation which had fought to make disability respite care more accessible in the region.
“We are so excited to be moving ahead with this initiative with the help of Hand Heart Pocket and cannot wait to see our plans come to life,” Tracy said.
“This facility will allow us to provide the best possible care for clients ranging from low to high needs. Stage one will be a high needs unit, equipped with the latest in assistive technology, as well as being wheelchair-accessible throughout.”
“Families will have peace of mind knowing that when they need a break or have to go away for a short period of time, their loved one will receive dignified and individualised care in a comfortable setting,” she said.
Paynters Architects will design and project manage the construction, which will be developed within the specifications of the Liveability Standards and completed in three stages. Care Goondiwindi will also contribute $185,000 towards stage one of the construction.
“Whilst this grant has enabled us to get this project off the ground, we must emphasise that we are actively seeking funding support for stages two and three,” Tracy said.
Hand Heart Pocket Chief Executive Officer Gary Mark said it was important that the local Freemasons were part of today’s proceedings, as they had been instrumental in championing the grant to meet a local community need.
“Hand Heart Pocket is committed to providing sustainable support that delivers positive outcomes for charitable organisations with limited access to other funding sources,” Gary said.
“Care Goondiwindi’s important work aligns directly with our values of alleviating suffering, empowering people to lead better lives and helping to improve people’s overall quality of life.”
“We’re excited to partner with Care Goondiwindi and provide this grant on behalf of the Freemasons of Queensland to help address the gap in appropriate respite accommodation facilities for people with disabilities in the region,” he said.
Stage one is expected to be completed by 1 October 2020.
Photo: McIntyre Lodge representative John Jobling, Hand Heart Pocket Chief Executive Officer Gary Mark, Care Goondiwindi President Joel Richters, Care Goondiwindi Chief Executive Officer Tracy MacDonald, McIntyre Lodge representatives Peter McMurtrie and Luke Tanner.
