Jack Towney upgrade

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-specific aged care facility would not have otherwise been able to undertake the upgrade if it wasn’t for the funding.

“It is important to us that we provide a high level of quality and personalised care to our residents and their families. The proposed upgrades allow us to ensure the equipment and facilities at Jack Towney Hostel are of a high standard and modern in their use, to keep our residents safe, comfortable and socially connected,” said Gilgandra Shire Council mayor, Doug Batten.

The $342,583 grant came under the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care (NATSIFAC) program’s infrastructure and equipment grants, which will see $5.2 million allocated across services to improve the lives of older First Nations people.

Council applied for the funding in June earlier this year, and it was successfully announced this month.

“Both the staff and residents of the Jack Towney Hostel are looking forward to the upgrades and the outcomes that these will give to our residents and families,” said Mr Batten.

The replacement of furniture and equipment, as well as the refurbishment of 11 rooms, has been a time coming for Jack Towney Hostel.

“This means we are able to purchase and replace equipment our residents use to stay connected with families such as video conferencing capabilities, which we know is particularly important in the times we are currently facing,” said Mr Batten.

There will be upgrades to beds, chairs, electrical goods, and medical appliances. This includes a new defibrillator, ensuring that the rooms are equipped to provide an enhanced level of care.

“This technology will also provide opportunity on site for staff development and training as we continually strive to achieve better service for our residents,” said Mr Batten.

Jack Towney Hostel was established by Aboriginal community leader, Joy Trudgett, a local campaigner who actively promoted Indigenous and community projects and who identified a need for culturally relevant aged care accommodation.

Works are currently in planning stages with council as funding agreements are finalised. It is expected that works will occur over an 18 month period.