Wednesday, 9 October 2024
BUILDING A HOME FOR FIRST NATIONS ELDERS IN BALLARAT
The Allan Labor Government is supporting safe and culturally vibrant community living options for First Nations Elders in Ballarat to help them enjoy their advanced years in comfort and dignity
Member for Eureka and Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development Michaela Settle today joined members of the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative (BADAC) to officially open their new Elders’ Independent Living Community.
The facility is backed by a $2.6 million Labor Government investment and created 160 jobs during construction, with another six ongoing jobs created with the opening of the village.
Designed in collaboration with Elders, the facility will provide a home for up to 16 Elders and takes the form of a small village that offers eight self-contained one-bedroom or two-bedroom units. There is also a central hall for shared meals, on-site managers’ quarters, medical treatment rooms and a vegetable garden.
This set-up will ensure Elders can continue living independently, whilst still receiving any care they require. It will also safeguard them from the experiences of homelessness, loneliness and poverty that can be a risk for vulnerable Elders.
Established in 1979, the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative delivers health, social, welfare and community development programs to local First Nations people. This includes more than 700 people aged 45 and over in the Ballarat and Central Highlands region who will require culturally sensitive support as they age.
Delivery of the BADAC Elders’ Independent Living Community forms part of the Labor Government’s record investment of $45 billion across rural and regional Victoria since 2014.
This funding reflects the Labor Government’s efforts to making regional and rural Victorian cities and towns even better places to live, work, stay and play. For more information, visit rdv.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney
“The opening of the Elders’ Independent Living Community is a project that embodies our support for First Nations Elders in a culturally respectful environment.”
“This investment not only enhances quality of life but also strengthens community ties and creates vital local jobs.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Eureka and Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development Michaela Settle
“Ballarat and the Central Highlands are home to a vibrant community of Aboriginal Elders, and I’m thrilled to see they now have the facilities to support them to live independently in a safe, comfortable and dignified environment.”
“This project is part of the Allan Labor Government’s support for self-determination and cultural safety for our Aboriginal communities.”
Media contact: Tyler Proctor | 0432 841 767 | [email protected]
