BOOST FOR INNER-CITY AGED ACCOMMODATION

The not-for-profit operators of Paddington’s Scottish Hospital precinct will launch an extensive community consultation program in relation to conceptual plans that could result in vital new aged care accommodation choices for local residents.

Presbyterian Aged Care NSW & ACT (PAC) said its priority was continuing and enhancing the sites long tradition of health, aged care, ministry and welfare services in a manner satisfactory to the local community.

The proposal would ease pressure on the inner-city’s chronic undersupply of aged accommodation, provide accommodation options for different socio-economic requirements and enable locals to transition to seniors living arrangements close to their families and social networks.  

The plans broadly involve the creation of 105 aged care beds, 90 independent living units and the removal of some existing non-heritage buildings. The sites original 1848 heritage building would be carefully restored, along with historic garden areas.

Existing aged care residents would be guaranteed ongoing accommodation, and multiple new aged care services and jobs would be created.

Preliminary briefings have already taken place with Woollahra Council, The Paddington Society and other local stakeholders.  

Earlier this month PAC presented conceptual plans to the New South Wales Department of Planning to obtain advice on whether the concept should be considered by the State Government or assessed locally by Woollahra Council. 

The Department of Planning advised this week that it was a matter for the State Government, meaning PAC is now in a position to focus more closely on details of the concept and step up community consultations.       

PAC will reach out to residents and community groups to ensure the benefits of the broad proposal are understood, and to seek feedback and views on how the facilities can be delivered in a manner that is respectful of local amenity and heritage. 

“This would be another important chapter of the Scottish Hospital site, which has fulfilled not-for-profit health, ministry and aged care functions in different forms since the mid 1800’s,” PAC Chief Executive Officer Paul Sadler said.

“There have been many additions and alterations over the years, but little change since 1985.

“Given that there is a chronic shortage of aged care accommodation in Sydney, serious thought needs to go into how the site can best evolve with the times and be utilised to meet current-day community needs.   

“The catchment area for our residents is primarily the surrounding local community so we expect that there will be strong support, although we will need to consult extensively.    

“There are enormous social, health and welfare benefits on offer and we are appealing to the community to help us find the right balance between maintaining the traditional functions of the site and maintaining the sites historic and environmental integrity.

“We are very confident there is a mutually acceptable way forward.”  

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:

Matthew Watson, Repute Communications & Associates: (02) 9220 3553 / 0417 691 884

St Andrews Christian School notes Bailey sentencing

St Andrews Christian School notes Bailey sentencing

St Andrew’s Christian School in Grafton has noted the sentencing of its former principal Frank Bailey and that additional police charges have been laid against him. Mr Bailey was sentenced in Sydney today for crimes against a 16 year old girl under his care, committed after he had resigned as Principal.

School spokesman Wayne Richards said the Church continued to extend its profound sympathies and support to Mr Bailey’s victim. “Our sincere hope is that the sentencing assists, in some small way, her recovery from the trauma she has experienced,” he said.

Regarding the sentencing of Mr Bailey and recent statements in the press, Mr Richards commented, “Obviously, we cannot participate in a public debate with a couple of individuals who have placed us on notice that they intend pursuing legal action.  We are also concerned that arguing the matter in a public forum in this way does not help the victim, and that innocent students and School staff, their families and friends are unnecessarily hurt.”

 Mr Richards added, “The school takes child protection very seriously. Our policies and procedures for safeguarding children and young people under our care are considered a model for other institutions. St Andrew’s Christian School takes proper action required of it under mandatory reporting requirements in respect of child protection and has strong child protection procedures in place. After reviewing carefully the circumstances surrounding this case, we are confident continued adherence to these procedures will help maintain a safe environment.  

Mr Richards said the Board continues to fully support this wonderful community school under the leadership of highly respected and long serving Clarence Valley educator, Mac Lindsay. “The Grafton community should be reassured that the new leadership group at St Andrew's Christian School, under Mr Lindsay, is continuing to uphold the principles of Christian education in the Presbyterian tradition,” he said.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Karen Forman

Media & Communications Manager

Presbyterian Church of Australia (NSW)

Call 0437 591 581 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it        

Church rejects ACT’s homosexual civil unions

Governor to open $14.3 million aged care facility

NSW Governor, Marie Bashir, will join with Presbyterian Church of NSW Moderator, Rt Rev Chris Balzer on Wednesday (November 18) to officially open Presbyterian Aged Care’s $14.3 million new Minnamurra development at Drummoyne.

The development – which comprises a 65-bed aging-in-place facility including a 13-bed secure dementia unit and three respite beds – is the second PAC project to come to fruition under a $39 million building upgrade and development program.

PAC NSW and ACT Chief Executive Officer, Paul Sadler, said the organisation was delighted Her Excellency had agreed to perform the official opening of a vital link in PAC’s plan to provide improved services to older people around the State.

“Minnamurra is a beautifully designed and appointed building,” he said. “Each resident enjoys rooms with private facilities, shared communal areas, courtyards, gardens, balconies with water views and lifestyle programs that ensure residents’ wellbeing, safety and security in a caring environment.”

A ministry of the Presbyterian Church, PAC exists to provide care and accommodation for older people, with a commitment to excellence inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus. It operates 10 aged care homes, eight community care services and 12 retirement villages in NSW and the ACT, providing care and accommodation to 1200 people.

The Drummoyne facility first appeared in 1974 as the 37-bed Minnamurra Hostel and has now been fully renovated and expanded.

Official guests at the opening will include facility manager  Jo-Anne Mattar, chaplain Rev Dr Philip Paul, City of Canada Bay Mayor Angelo Tsirekas, Australian Department of Health & Ageing State Manager Aged Care Mr Paul Taranto, Minnamurra Advisory Committee chairman Rev Dr Paul Logan, Presbyterian Church of Australia in NSW General Manager Wayne Richards and Presbyterian Women’s Association President Roslyn Abbey, along with design and construction team representatives George Abraham, Russell Prescott and Jenny Gilmore.

Mr Sadler said Minnamurra’s name was apt. “It means `abundance of fish’ in the local Aboriginal language and we are aiming to provide an abundant life for those who live and work at the new Minnamurra,” he said.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Karen Forman Media & Communications Manager PCNSW 0437 591 581 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it