Marles visits Anam Cara Geelong

DEPUTY Prime Minister and Corio federal member Richard Marles has made a visit to Anam Cara Geelong, where he saw first-hand the initial transformative impact of the Albanese Government’s 2022 election commitment of $2.95 million.

During his visit to the Waurn Ponds facility, Mr Marles spoke with guests, families, volunteers and staff, gaining insight into how Anam Cara’s unique model of care is being received.

“A unique and treasured palliative care facility, Anam Cara has an incredible team, so much so, that one of their nurses recently came out of retirement to work at Anam Cara,” Mr Marles said.

“The Albanese Government has delivered on our election commitment of $2.95 million to develop facilities and programs, including securing power supplies, developing their volunteer program and facilitating partnership programs with Deakin University.

“It was lovely to chat to one of the Deakin students who is engaged in an employment program which supports Deakin students to gain experience and employment in a clinical setting during their studies.

“Anam Cara is a special place for Geelong, caring for families as they prepare to say goodbye to their loved ones.”

Marles’ visit last month included a tour of the fully-operational Centre of Care and its improvements made possible by the funding, including:

• The installation of a new generator, ensuring a reliable power supply and uninterrupted care
• Partnerships with Deakin University which have created valuable placement opportunities for students across various faculties
• Collaborations with Deakin Talent which has facilitated paid employment opportunities for students, providing them with practical experience while they study, and
• The employment of a new volunteer coordinator to implement the volunteer program with 50 active volunteers, all trained through Palliative Care Victoria’s specialised program.

Anam Car is also making efforts to offer culturally sensitive care, making sure palliative services are accessible and tailored to the needs of the First Nations community throughout Greater Geelong
and Victoria’s south-west.

Anam Cara board chair Diana Taylor was delighted to again welcome Mr Marles to the facility.

“The Australian Government’s support to date has assisted this extraordinary group of people in our region to bring to life a community palliative care facility providing exemplary care for guests, what we refer to as ‘a beautiful death’.

“We are very grateful to tRichard Marles for standing in support of Anam Cara since 2007, and for walking this journey with us.”