McCORMACK WELCOMES HARDEN AGED CARE ANNOUNCEMENT

Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack has welcomed Cowra Retirement Village’s announcement it plans to recommission the former St Lawrence Residential Aged Care facility at Harden.

“This is terrific news for the Harden-Murrumburrah community, particularly those families needing aged care services closer to home,” Mr McCormack said.

“I look forward to continuing to work closely with Cowra Retirement Village chair Ian Donges and chief executive officer Scott Kable as they go through the due diligence process over coming weeks.”

Mr McCormack said he remained committed to ensuring Harden had aged care services following the disappointing January decision of private sector operator Southern Cross Care to close St Lawrence, which was licensed for 45 beds.

“St Lawrence was built through the hard work and commitment of the local community and I am pleased another rural aged care services provider – Cowra Retirement Village – has plans to recommission St Lawrence because it has strong record of caring for its residents and has shared country values with the Harden-Murrumburrah district,” Mr McCormack said.

“The Government in the Budget last week delivered an additional $17.7 billion package of support and once-in-a-generation reform to aged care and I am determined Harden-Murrumburrah will have its fair share of quality aged care services.

“Our elderly residents in the Harden-Murrumburrah district have made the area the wonderful place it is now in which to live. They want, need and deserve the best care possible in their senior years.”

Mr McCormack said he was delighted Mr Donges had committed to engaging with the Harden Regional Development Corporation and the wider community to start building a relationship of co-operation and mutual respect to help deliver sustainable and high-quality aged care at Harden.

“The Harden community, also, deserves the highest praise for fighting so hard for this vital asset,” Mr McCormack said.

“I have listened to them and continue to work with the Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, to deliver what they are calling for.”