Coker visits Anam Cara to deliver grant

ANAM Cara House Geelong has welcomed Corangamite federal member Libby Coker to its world-class facility in Waurn Ponds, with Ms Coker delivering a grant allowing volunteer staff to undertake specialist massage training.

Last week’s support pledge will allow volunteer staff at Anam Cara to receive specialist training to help them provide top-level care to patients. Ms Coker’s visit follows Anam Cara’s hugely successful Double the Care Giving Day, which raised more than $880,000 to fund the immediate opening of six more bedrooms.

Anam Cara now has 12 bedrooms available for people with private health insurance or those who are self-funded.

Anam Cara chief executive officer Vanessa McColl thanked Ms Coker for enhancing the organisation’s volunteer program.

“We are fortunate to have so many wonderful staff and volunteers, and this grant will ensure we continue to be a benchmark in palliative and end-of-life care,” Ms McColl said.

“We remain committed to advancing our objective that all individuals and families in the Geelong community can receive the compassionate care and support they deserve, and choose, in their most vulnerable moments.”

Ms Coker said Anam Cara was a truly beautiful place, providing families with fantastic care choices and end-of-life care.

“I thank Anam Cara House Geelong for its contribution to our community and thank the volunteers who recently received a grant of $1500 for training – their dedication brings comfort and dignity to those in their most vulnerable moments,” she said.

“To the caregivers who bring warmth and comfort to guests and families at the palliative care unit, your selfless service is deeply appreciated.”

Ms Coker said the government had committed $2.95 million to Anam Cara in 2023, which has helped the organisation operate with a secure power supply via a generator, train Deakin University students via a research and teaching partnership, and fast-track volunteers through Palliative Care Victoria.

For more information about Anam Cara Geelong, head to achg.org.au