AUSTRALIA: $6m For 'Troppo' Elderly Complex

DARWIN (Northern Territory News), January 12, 2008: A new "troppo" aged care home is to be built in Darwin, the Federal Government announced yesterday. A site for the $6million complex has yet to be finalised. But it is expected to be the old Waratahs Oval at Fannie Bay. The home, which is scheduled to open next year, will have 65 beds - 33 high-care and 32 low-care. It will be run by not-for-profit Southern Cross Care. Chief executive Michael Bendyk said the home would have a "distinct NT theme and feel". ('Troppo' is Australian slang for 'gone mad/crazy' - Editor) Federal Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot visited Darwin yesterday to discuss the project with the Territory Government. She also announced a $334,000 upgrade to the fire system at the Juninga Centre in Nightcliff. The new home was welcomed by acting Chief Minister Marion Scrymgour. "It's good news for our whole community - providing another accommodation option for elderly or frail people and ensuring the Territory doesn't lose the experience and knowledge of members of our older generations. "Older Territorians who have contributed so much to the community deserve the best of care as they age. "And this accommodation here in the Territory will allow more people to maintain their family and community ties when they enter residential care." She said NT Government support for older Territorians included increased funding for aged and disability services by 74 per cent over the past three years; support for senior Territorians and pensioner concessions boosted by 26 per cent; and the old Waratahs oval being designated for the development of seniors' accommodation. The Territory has a low proportion of seniors - one in 20, compared with a national figure of one in eight. By Nigel Adam The Northern Territory News Pty. Ltd. Copyright © January 2007