Geegeelup expansion officially opens

Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson officially opened the newly upgraded Geegeelup Village Hostel in Bridgetown on Tuesday.

The project received more than $8 million of Federal Government funding, paving the way for a major expansion of the aged care facility and an increase in beds from 16 to 32.

Mr Wilson said the hostel received a capital grant of $7.4 million under Aged Care Approvals Round, which funded the construction of two new wings and double the number of available beds.

Two eight-bed wings were built on the adjacent croquet courts, four of which are for secure places for dementia patients.

The funding has also allowed for the employment of a registered nurse to manage high-level care and palliative patients.

On top of the capital grant, operational funding to be allocated to the hostel for the 16 new places is estimated at $1.048 million.

Mr Wilson said he was thrilled to be in Bridgetown for the official opening.

“I’ve visited the site to get an update on the progress of the upgrades many times and it’s been fantastic to see how its progressed from concept to finish.

“The staff and residents have been so patient while these upgrades have taken place but now they have a wonderful and modern facility to call home.

“Geegeelup will be able to provide a greater service to surrounding communities, and it also ensures the long-term viability of the hostel.”