Work Begins on New Aged Care Residence in Albany

Works have begun in Lockyer for Juniper’s state-of-the art residential care facility, heralding the next phase of a vital aged care and community services hub for the Great Southern. 

Juniper Chief Executive Vaughan Harding said the $32 million residential aged care project is part of the organisation’s State-wide efforts to respond to the community by creating greater capacity to deliver services to meet the needs of an ageing population.

“A new Juniper residential aged care facility for Albany and the Great Southern region will enable older people to continue to live in their local community without having to move elsewhere to access the services and support they require,” he said.

“Combined with the brand-new Beryl Grant Community Centre, future retirement units and planned health and community infrastructure on the 24 acre site, Juniper and its partners are delivering a vision for a sustainable, vibrant and caring community.”

Mr Harding said the residential aged care project will stimulate employment and career opportunities with approximately 120 workers needed to run this service – ranging from multi-skilled carers, allied health workers, nursing staff and management roles.

Juniper is building up its infrastructure, capability and services in the Great Southern, Kimberley, Wheatbelt and Perth metropolitan regions to play its part in meeting the needs of an ageing Western Australian population.

“It is not sufficient to just provide extra physical infrastructure. Juniper also puts significant effort into attracting, training and retaining a skilled workforce and works with educational institutions and their students to help make aged care a preferred career option,” Mr Harding said.

All Juniper projects use local trades and services wherever possible. Western Australian building company Crothers Construction was selected to build this facility.

With site clearing works commencing this week, the facility is expected to take 15 months to construct, with planned completion in March 2019.

For more information about Juniper and its care, accommodation and support services visit juniper.org.au or call during office hours on 1300 313 000.