Whiddon’s $25.6 million aged care redevelopment in Temora is a step closer with construction officially underway. Early building works including a retaining wall construction, slab and footing preparations, and the lift base among the early construction milestones. The project is scheduled to continue through 2027, with further stages of work planned across the existing home. As an extra bonus for residents already living in the Nurraburra facility a newly installed viewing panel has been installed to allow a front row view on the construction. The panel gives residents a view of the building site, allowing them to watch construction activity and see progress unfold day by day. Residents can also access live construction updates via webcam from their rooms. Supported by a $19.5 million Australian Government grant through the Aged Care Capital Assistance Program (ACCAP), the ACCAP-funded project will deliver a new residential aged care building providing 54 residential aged care beds at Narraburra Lodge. Separately, Whiddon is funding an extension to the Harmony Wing Memory Support Home, delivering an additional four beds. Together, the redevelopment will add a total of 58 beds to Narraburra Lodge, increasing its overall capacity to 96 places once complete. The expansion will help meet the growing demand for residential aged care in Temora, supporting the region’s ageing population and ensuring more older people can access quality care close to home, where alternative providers are limited. Whiddon CEO Chris Mamarelis said it was exciting to see the project progressing from plans to construction, representing a significant investment in the future of aged care in the region. “Seeing construction underway is an exciting milestone for Whiddon and the Temora community,” Mr Mamarelis said. “This is so much more than a new building; it’s about investing in the future of aged care locally and ensuring older people can continue to receive quality care close to home. “Regional communities deserve access to contemporary aged care that supports residents’ needs while preserving the relationships and connections that make a place feel like home. “We’re proud to be progressing this project and look forward to seeing the next stages take shape.” In addition to the construction of the new wing further upgrades to the existing Narraburra Lodge home are planned across 2027, including changes to dining arrangements and refurbishment of back-of-house and support facilities. These staged works will support the broader transformation of Narraburra Lodge while the home continues to care for its residents. For updates, construction progress photos and information about upcoming works, visit www.whiddon.com.au/temora-redevelopment
