Dignity for elders within independent living community

A NEW independent living community for First Nations elders has opened on Porter Street in Ballarat Central.

The facility was a joint project between Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative, or BADAC, and the State Government, alongside input from First Nations elders.

The living community is designed to provide a culturally safe space for elders aged 50 years and over to live.

There will be room for 16 elders to live on site in eight self-contained one or two-bedroom units as well as a central hall for shared meals, managers’ quarters, medical treatment rooms and a vegetable garden.

BADAC Community Home Support Program and NDIS manager Melissa Bray said in the context of the Stolen Generation, it is important to provide elders with a comfortable place to live.

“We found a need that a lot of our elders were isolated, living on their own and being part of the Stolen Generation a lot of our elders do not have families there to look after them and support them,” she said.

“That’s what’s important about the community that we have here today, it is to be able to support our elders and be able to break that social isolation.”

Elder, Aunty Dorren Abbott said the facility will become a joyful meeting place.

“You can come out and have a cup of coffee and you don’t have to go miles and miles to visit someone,” she said.

“This is something that is quite safe for them and will bring joy.”