Upgrade for specialist disability accommodation

An amenities upgrade at a specialist disability accommodation facility will give residents more privacy, thanks to a grant from the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Program.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt congratulated Regional Housing Ltd on its successful application from round 5 of the program.

“Regional Housing Ltd received $17,190 to upgrade specialist disability accommodation in Bundaberg to provide amenities for visitors and support staff,” Mr Pitt said.

“The Stronger Communities Program has been very successful for community groups and organisations like Regional Housing Ltd that would otherwise struggle to fund these types of projects.

“More than 50 projects throughout the Hinkler electorate have received funding from the Stronger Communities Program,” he said.

Regional Housing Limited’s Chief Executive Officer Brett Hanna said the upgrade would give residents greater dignity and encourage greater visitation.

“Currently we have all the rooms occupied, so family, visitors and support staff providing 24/7 care to residents must impose on residents in order to use a toilet,” Mr Hanna said.

“The extension will allow staff and visitors direct access to a toilet increasing the privacy of residents and reducing awkwardness from both a resident and visitor perspective.

“This is expected to empower residents and remove a potential barrier for visitation or in-home community interaction.”

Regional Housing Ltd manages over 500 properties across the Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, North and South Burnett regions with long term properties, transitional housing properties, crisis accommodation and specialist disability accommodation.

The Stronger Communities Program offers eligible community groups grants of between $2,500 and $20,000 for small capital projects. All applications need to commit matching funding contributions.