New respite centre to open in Mernda

Older residents and their carers living in some of the City of Whittlesea’s fastest growing suburbs are set to have access to a broad range of day respite services.

Construction of the Mernda Social Support Centre is nearing completion, with the centre due to open its doors and welcome residents living with complex health needs in mid-2023. The $2.69 million facility is jointly funded by the City of Whittlesea and the Victorian Government. It is located next to the Mernda Village Community Activity Centre and has been built in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act and Australian Dementia-Friendly guidelines.

Council will be providing a range of Positive Ageing social connection programs from the facility. Through our partner service providers, the centre is also expected to host a range of exciting individual and group activities, such as exercise classes, arts and crafts, and cultural events. Activities offered at the centre will aim to support mental and physical health and assist participants in maintaining their independence and living skills in an enjoyable and safe environment.

“It is critical that we provide our residents with the support services they need to age with dignity,” City of Whittlesea Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson said.

“The number of residents in the City of Whittlesea with dementia is expected to increase dramatically in the years ahead and we must be prepared to meet their needs. This centre will make a huge difference to the lives of those who will use the services and their carers as well.”  – Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson

Terri Mackenzie, who has been a leading voice for improving support services in Mernda and Doreen through the advocacy group Spotlight on Aged Care, toured the facility with Christine Taylor and Daniela Trubiano in mid-December.

“People thought people came to Doreen to have their first homes, but in fact a lot of people came out here and retired and downsized. We had this big ageing population out here but no services, so as an advocacy group we gathered 2500 signatures and they got presented to Parliament,” she said.

The City of Whittlesea has contributed $1.45 million towards the project, while the Victorian Government provided $1.24 million through its Growing Suburbs Fund.

Keep up-to-date with the progress and announcements about the construction, opening dates and services at the Mernda Social Support Centre.