The amalgamation of aged care facilities in Balaklava, Hamley Bridge and Riverton has been an absolute game changer according to the Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey who visited the
Walara Balaklava Millcourt Homes last week.
“We had four facilities, all sub-optimum size and struggling, who have come together and turned the game around,” Mr Ramsey said.
“Now we have an organisation with enhanced skills spread across the facilities and causing great interest in the model in similar sized communities. I congratulate Chairman Malcolm May and his team for their vision and single-minded commitment.”
Mr Ramsey is retiring at the next election and was accompanied by the new Liberal candidate for Grey, Tom Venning.
“We’ve been taking the time now parliament has risen to get out and talk with communities, clubs and councils about the kind of assistance they need to help them make life better in their community,” he said. “It’s been excellent opportunity to get out with Tom helping him appreciate the individual challenges different communities face and giving them a chance to get to know him.”
“Walara have already made a number of improvements to their facilities but are very mindful they still have a distance to go because like every other facility they need to keep pushing the envelope to ensure they can meet to rising demand for quality care.”
“Given the size of the operation now, it is becoming clear they need an administrative area and we looked at some options while we were there.”
“Aged care is one of the great challenges we face as the “Baby Boomers” come through the pipeline. Not only do we need more spaces, the boomer generation want bigger and better facilities than our parents had,” Mr Ramsey said. “This will require a huge investment across the whole nation, and good local management will be essential if we are to get anywhere near the targets. That’s why when we find a local capacity, like Walara where the community has risen to the challenge, we need to back it.”
“That’s why Tom Venning and I are pushing for a commitment from the Liberal Party leading into the election but we would also hope it will put pressure the Labor Government to do their job.”
Mr Venning said travelling with Mr Ramsey and meeting organisations like Walara, was giving him an invaluable introduction to the electorate it’s people and possibilities.
“Whether or not I become the next member of Grey will be up to the people, but if I do, I’m working to ensure I can pick up where Rowan left off and hit the ground running,” he said.
Rowan Ramsey MP
Media Contact: Leonie Lloyd-Smith 08 8633 1744
December 16, 2024
