Creswick’s John Curtin Residential Aged Care will undergo a major expansion following the announcement of $13 million in funding from the Aged Care Capital Assistance Program (ACCAP).
The centre, a registered charity established in 1986, currently provides 65 permanent residential rooms and 19 independent living units. The new funding will allow the construction of an additional 18-bed residential wing, increasing capacity to 93 beds. It will also support the refurbishment of 35 existing rooms.
Every room at John Curtin overlooks a garden space, and the redevelopment has been planned to maintain this feature.
Member for Ballarat Catherine King said the expansion would make a real difference for older people in Creswick. “In 1986 Prime Minister Bob Hawke opened this facility, named in honour of Creswick-born Prime Minister John Curtin,” Ms King said. “Almost 40 years later, this investment will support the facility, local contractors, staff, and most importantly, local families and the future of older people in our area.”
Board President Sue Craven said the redevelopment would strengthen care for residents and the broader community. “This grant will enable John Curtin Aged Care to provide improved care to all our residents,” Ms Craven said. “It is also a huge investment in the Creswick community. It will enable us to meet the demand for more residential aged care beds in the area, taking pressure off Ballarat hospitals.”
This round of the Aged Care Capital Assistance Program is providing $300 million nationally to boost access to residential aged care and housing for aged care workers in regional areas. Since 2022, more than $950 million has been committed through the program.
For more information about the grants, future rounds and funded projects, visit: www.health.gov.au/accap
This article is based on a media release from the office of federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King.
