mmg.com.au

Karingal is finally set to embark on the biggest project in its 50-year history, with construction of a new multi-million-dollar facility expected to start next month.

The 60-bed facility will be built on the site of the car park and adjacent land on Villers St and will take about one year to build.

It has been made possible through a $3.7million grant by the Department of Health and Ageing, a significant contribution to the multi-million dollar project. The not-for-profit community-owned organisation is about to start a fundraising appeal to support project completion.

The new facility, an artist’s impression of which is pictured, will include low-care and high-care wings and a secure dementia care wing — the latter a first for the district.

The design is by DeNova Group finalised in 2010, project managers will be Tumac Pty Ltd, with the builders still to be confirmed.

Karingal chief executive Judy Dahlke said the new building would be a ‘‘major service expansion’’ and would have the ability to provide ‘‘ageing in place’’ for residents as their care needs changed.

‘‘There is currently no secure dementia care available in the district, and Karingal will provide a wonderful service, enabling Seymour residents to remain in their local community among family and friends,’’ she said.

All 60 rooms will be single occupancy, with en suites and garden views.

The facility will feature several small and large lounge areas, three dining rooms and a private room for friends and family.

The multi-purpose room will house a theatrette, exercise gym, chapel and pool table, with a library next door.

Ms Dahlke said there would be dedicated rooms for visiting doctors, physio and podiatry, as well as a hairdressing salon, cafe and kiosk.

‘‘Karingal hopes to retain the homelike feel in the new building,’’ she said.

The communal living area is spacious, with the residents’ private rooms also ‘‘generous’’ in size.

There will be plenty of quiet spots to enjoy inside, outside and in the garden. which will have several walking tracks, a paved barbecue pavilion and sitting areas to enjoy the views of Whiteheads Creek and beyond.

The existing building — which has 36 beds — was opened in 1964, about three years after a committee was first formed to establish a hostel on the former district hospital site.

Ms Dahlke said Karingal was conscious of its history, and the future of the existing building would be decided after consultation with the community in the next few months.

There appeared to be some promising options for it, and these would be given careful consideration.