Ash Bolt
Anam Cara House Geelong will receive an almost $3 million funding boost if Labor is elected at Saturday’s federal election.
Corio MP Richard Marles and Corangamite MP Libby Coker visited the new Anam Cara House in Waurn Ponds on Monday morning to announce a $2.95 million commitment to improve end-of-life care for people across the region.
The new Anam Cara House will consist of 20 palliative and end-of-life care bedrooms within a home-like and purpose-built facility.
The new facility will accommodate a range of hospice services and end-of-life palliative care choices for people with life-limiting illnesses and the people who care for them.
“The work and care which Anam Cara provides to families is invaluable. This is a project which Labor proudly supports and understands the importance of giving guests choice and final wishes,” Mr Marles said.
The funding will allow the facility to maintain and secure its power supply, enrich guest experience through world-class sensory technology. Purchase a specialised bus for day trips and formalise a volunteer program to attract and train much-needed volunteers.
It will also allow Anam Cara House to form a research and teaching partnership with Deakin University’s School of Medicine and Faculty of Health, which would allow for on-site teaching within the care sector.
“This commitment recognises the importance of dignity and compassion in end-of-life care. It is made by Labor with the understanding of the significant impact that Anam Cara House has for members of the community,” shadow health and ageing minister Mark Butler said.
Anam Cara House chair Diana Taylor welcomed the commitment.
“Anam Cara House Geelong is incredibly grateful for this election commitment from the federal Labor Party,” she said.
“Our partnership with Deakin University at Waurn Ponds is a critical component of Anam Cara providing world class community led palliative care in a home like environment.”
Ms Taylor said the support would “allow us to significantly invest in bedside teaching and research that will benefit people now and in generations to come across Geelong and the region”.
