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 South Eastern RegionNews & events Precinct signals greater choice and independence for Shellharbour seniors Gillian McFee, Director, UnitingCare Ageing, is thrilled to be able to announce the development of a new Seniors Precinct for the Shellharbour Region. Upon completion the site will incorporate a range of residential housing options, community services and support services, signalling greater choice and independence for Shellharbour seniors. The Seniors Precinct will include 50 National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) units. NRAS aims to establish 50,000 new affordable dwellings throughout Australia by 2012 and UnitingCare Ageing was successful in being awarded 167 units to be developed in NSW and the ACT, the largest proportion of which will be purpose built in Shellharbour. Gillian describes the inclusion of NRAS units as an opportunity to assist people on low and moderate incomes to achieve better quality of life. Rent will be 25% below market rates to ensure access to housing is more achievable than would otherwise be possible for people experiencing financial difficulties. “I am very excited about what the Seniors Precinct will offer the Shellharbour community, particularly as it provides options for socially inclusive and affordable accommodation options for people struggling to make ends meet.” Joe Gaudiosi, Regional Director, UnitingCare Ageing South Eastern Region, says the Seniors Precinct will provide the community with a new style of services for older people.
Pictured: Joe Gaudiosi, Regional Director, UnitingCare Ageing South Eastern Region, Jennie George MP, Federal Member for Throsby and GillianMcFee, Director, UnitingCare Ageing at the site of the new Shellharbour Seniors Precinct. “The Seniors Precinct moves away from the idea of aged care services being set aside from the wider community. “Our new service approach focuses more on integration, providing communities with the chance to continue sharing skills, services and experiences across generations.“This signals greater flexibility in the services people can access and ultimately, the lives they can choose to lead as they age.” Jennie George MP, Federal Member for Throsby, says she is delighted with what the Seniors Precinct will mean for people in her community. “I’m delighted that 50 units in the precinct will be available at below market rental rates, as part of the Federal Government’s commitment to more affordable housing. There are many seniors in our community who will be assisted by this project.” The Seniors Precinct will provide a range of accommodation options primarily for older people, as well as other community members in the Shellharbour and surrounding Illawarra area. It will feature community facilities and specialist support services such as clinical and social support. Adjacent to Stockland Shellharbour Shopping Centre, the location of the site ensures easy access to local shopping and recreational facilities. Timing for the development will be determined in 2010 with work having already commenced on the neighbouring UnitingCare Ageing Lakeview 100 unit residential aged care development. This development will provide 60 low care and 40 high care places and incorporate provision for residents from the Italian community as well as dementia care. The residential aged care service is expected to be complete late 2010. The design has been undertaken with sensitivity to the environment equating to a provisional 4 ½ green star rating, the aim being to reduce the dependence on natural resources. This increases the comfort and performance of the building for residents, staff and visitors in conjunction with helping the environment.
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