Murrayville’s elderly citizens might be able to continue living in their community as a result of a business case announced today by the Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad.
The feasibility of developing new aged residential accommodation will be investigated as part of the study.
Backed by a $5000 Brumby Labor Government grant, Mildura Rural City Council will assess needs, costs, sources of funding, sustainability, risks, potential operation methods including operating the units as a community-owned enterprise.
“New aged residential care accommodation would be a tremendous asset for the Murrayville community,” Ms Broad said.
“This issue is the highest in the town’s community plan and it’s important that appropriate resources are given to investigating a solution.
“Retaining elderly residents would deepen the town’s sense of community and diversity while helping these deserving people keep up their links with family, friends and the wider community.
“The town’s population would be more stable and new infrastructure would further strengthen the town’s future.”
Ms Broad said because of a limited local aged residential accommodation the town’s elderly residents frequently had to move to Mildura or other large population centres.
She said this had contributed to a reduction in the town’s population.
Ms Broad said developing sustainable aged residential accommodation in towns such Murrayville was an important part of developing prosperous and healthy communities in provincial Victoria.
he said aged care initiatives also provided benefits to senior citizens.
“The State and Federal Governments give high priority to serviced developments and initiatives that allow the elderly to remain within their own communities,” Ms Broad said.
Maintaining contact with family and friends, the availability of familiar community support services and programs help minimise stress and anxiety and promote health and well-being.”
The $5000 Brumby Labor Government grant is from the Community Enterprises Program, through Regional Development Victoria.
The program enables communities to explore options to develop community-managed, owned and controlled enterprises provide new community or commercial services, or create new uses for underused or empty commercial buildings.