THE start of construction on a Ballarat & District Aboriginal Co-operative-run First Nations senior\u2019s independent living community was marked by a sod turning ceremony last Friday.<\/p>\n
Minister for Regional Development, Harriet Shing, turned the soil in front of elders and dignitaries at an event marking the first phase of works.<\/p>\n
Money for the $2.6 million building is coming from the State Government\u2019s Regional Infrastructure Fund, with construction set for completion in 2024.<\/p>\n
\u201cProjects like the BADAC Elders\u2019 Independent Living Community are so important in delivering facilities, inclusion and spaces to regional Victorian communities,\u201d Ms Shing said.<\/p>\n
Once finished the senior\u2019s village will aim to provide a place for First Nations elders to live together in a culturally safe space.<\/p>\n
As part of the plans there\u2019ll be eight self-contained units, a hall for community meals, medical rooms, and a vegetable garden to provide supported independent living.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s going to be very important for our elders and for our people,\u201d said elder Aunty Doreen. \u201cI\u2019m very excited to be here and be invited to something like this.\u201d<\/p>\n
Located in Bakery Hill, it\u2019s hoped construction will create 160 jobs, and once complete four ongoing roles at Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday is a very significant thing for our organisation as it\u2019s another step forward for us to be able to support our elders to live independently for as long as they need at home with the support of our community,\u201d said BADAC member Melissa Bray.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the next chapter for our organisation and its going to be fantastic to be a part of.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE start of construction on a Ballarat & District Aboriginal Co-operative-run First Nations senior\u2019s independent living community was marked by a sod turning ceremony last Friday. Minister for Regional Development, Harriet Shing, turned the soil in front of elders and dignitaries at an event marking the first phase of works. Money for the $2.6 million […]<\/p>\n