World-class palliative care facility opens

GEELONG’S new $22.6 million palliative care 20-bedroom facility is being officially opened today (Friday, October 27) by Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles.

Located on Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus, Anam Cara House Geelong is a nationally accredited palliative care facility with hospital registration. It ensures the highest level of care and safety protocols for guests and their families.

Diana Taylor, chair of Anam Cara House Geelong, said the facility was taking an integrated approach.

“This facility will support our community members on their care journey by providing additional options and choice in holistic palliative care ,” Ms Taylor said.

“This project has been a vision for our community for almost 10 years, and today this vision has come to life, which is unique in Australia, and in line with the world’s best.”

Anam Cara House Geelong has served the Geelong community for more than 16 years but has outgrown its previous four-bedroom facility.

Operations have commenced at the new facility, which will provide a range of palliative care services, including bed-based care, a day program for guests and their families, free equipment loans, and in-home nursing support. Bed-based overnight and end-of-life care will be available from February 2024.

The project is the result of a successful community-public partnership model where the Geelong community raised $8 million to help fund the facility, providing choice and additional options in palliative care for people diagnosed with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

The federal government contributed $6.7 million, and the Victorian government provided an additional $5 million for construction.

The facility’s care will be further enhanced as a centre of learning through Deakin University’s teaching and research partnership with Anam Cara House Geelong.

The federal government has also supported Anam Cara House Geelong in delivering its teaching and research partnership with Deakin University and establishing its volunteer program, with the Victorian government providing operational funding support for the palliative care day program.

Deakin University vice chancellor Professor Iain Martin said the purpose of the project matched those of Deakin.

“At Deakin University, we are immensely proud of our partnership with Anam Cara – our values and goals are extremely well aligned.

“Deakin has a strong reputation and record of achievements in health, and we are committed to developing and delivering solutions that improve health care for our communities,” he said.

“Particularly, helping to develop sustainable models of health care delivery, and outcomes that reduce health disparities across the community.”

The Deputy Prime Minister will open the facility alongside Corangamite federal member Libby Coker, Victorian Senator Sarah Henderson, Geelong MP Christine Couzens, South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman, Bellarine MP Alison Marchant and Lara MP Ella George.

“Anam Cara greatly values the partnerships with Deakin University, the Australian Government and the Victorian Government who have significantly supported this project, along with the incredibly generous Geelong community,” Ms Taylor said.