Construction has started on the first of two new buildings for Ningana Enterprises.
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One building will be used for permanent accommodation while the other for respite.
The new permanent accommodation will run more as a “home” and less as a “hotel” (like the old building was).
“The hotel was purpose built, but it was built 40 plus years ago and it had a completely different role then,” Ningana INC CEO Fiona Durham said.
“This is a home, not a hostel. There'll be independent living in the two bedroom unit in the rear which is for people who require some support but not a lot, then the higher support at the front will have staff there at all times.”
She said while there are some differences from the old building, they wanted to make it as comfortable as possible for the building’s occupants.
“We are their family, we live with them 24/7; this is their home,” she said.
“It's (respite) basically designed so that families can maintain their caring role within their home and family, but everyone needs a break.”
While respite will deal with short term care, the permanent accommodation will be just that, permanent.
“At one point the old place was able to hold nine people, but it was a hostel model where this is a home,” she said.
“It's an entirely different situation and it's been brought into line with the change of government policy, which is about improving the lives of people and their families.
“A great deal of thought goes into making it work, things like having wider corridors and improved safety and security.
“You can walk into town from here.
“We wanted to keep it close so they can continue to do the things they have been doing; have the independence that they want.”
Ningana Business Development Manager Jo Polkinghorne was over the moon when she arrived at the site.
“It's a lovely thing that in our 50th year we've got this house and another house being built,” she said.
“I can't tell you how excited we were when we pulled up here and there are people working on it.”
Minister for Education Adrian Piccoli said it was a great thing for Griffith.
“In the years I've been a member of parliament a lot of parents have been concerned about where those children will go when the parents become too old to look after them and this will provide that,” he said.
The NGO Large Residential Centres project was funded by the NSW Government through the Department of Family and Community Services.