Deputy Prime Minister, The Hon Richard Marles MP, today officially opened not-for-profit Anam Cara House Geelong’s new $22.6M palliative care 20 bedroom facility.
Operations have commenced in the new facility with bed-based overnight and end of life care available from February 2024. Almost a decade in the making, the Geelong community raised $8M to deliver the facility, and provide additional choice in palliative care options for people diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, and their families.
The Federal Government contributed $6.7M with the Victorian Government contributing $5M for the construction of the facility. The Federal Government’s has also supported Anam Cara House Geelong in delivering its teaching and research partnership with Deakin University and establishing its critical volunteer program with the Victorian Government providing operational funding support to delivery the palliative care Day program.
The Deputy Prime Minister was joined by the State Member for Geelong Christine Couzens MP; Deakin University’s Vice Chancellor Professor Iain Martin; and Anam Cara House Geelong Chair, Diana Taylor along with guests, staff and volunteers with the official opening commencing with a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country from Wadawarrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation’s Ashley Skinner.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Libby Coker MP (Federal Member for Corangamite), Darren Cheeseman MP (State Member for South Barwon), Alison Marchant MP (State Member for Bellarine) and Ella George MP (State Member for Lara), and other guests.
Located on Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus, Anam Cara House Geelong is hospital registered and has received accreditation under National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards to ensure the highest levels of care and safety for guests and their families are delivered. The facility will provide a range of palliative care services, including bed-based care, a day program for patients and their families, free equipment loans, and in-home nursing support. The facility’s exemplary care will be further enhanced as a center of learning through Deakin University’s teaching and research partnership with Anam Cara House Geelong.
“The
“The Geelong community has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to caring for its own. Anam Cara House Geelong is a beacon of hope, providing essential palliative care services to our region. The Victorian Government is commitment to identify projects that enhance the health care experiences for all Victorians,” said Christine Couzens MP for Geelong.