"Dianella Village" Aged Care Hostel History
On the 20th December 1994, the Commonwealth Department of Human Services and Health granted approval in principle for a 30-bed Aged Care Hostel. The approval had followed two years of submissions based on need, population growth, demographics, efficiency, and financial viability. The Hostel was to be an integral part of our overall development concept, being the final phase in the provision of comprehensive health care and accommodation for our aged.
Again a major fundraising appeal was launched in 1995 and with magnificent community support cash donations received to date total $707,000. Together with the Commonwealth Government $847,000, Department of Veterans Affairs $160,000, Hospital contribution and borrowings, the total project funding and cost was $2.1m. This was broadly represented as $1,846,000 building costs, landscaping and earthworks $50,000, furniture furnishings and equipment $125,000 plus $44,000 fundraising expenses.
Resident accommodation is enhanced by single bedrooms, which along with ensuite facilities ensure privacy and placement flexibility. Features include a bright and tastefully decorated main living/dining room, tea and sitting rooms in each of the three houses, spa bathroom with federation dome skylight, hairdressing salon, great kitchen for freshly cooked meals, gas burning log fireplaces in each of the sitting rooms and landscaped gardens. Personalised care and attention (including Respite Care) is provided with every effort made to assist our residents to feel "at home".
On the 18th August 1997 the first of our residents moved in and Dianella Village was officially opened on the 21st August 1997. In 2003/2004 we achieved a healthy 98.0% rate of occupancy.