Accommodation for aged reopens in Alexandria

UnitingCare has recently taken possession of Rotary Court, a facility previously run by the Benevolent Society. “We wanted to extend our low-cost housing options for older people. This fits our criteria quite well and it was in an area where we did not have anything operating at this time,” says Joanne Toohey, Executive Manager of UnitingCare.

The site is currently in a state of disrepair and when the South SydneyHerald reporters visited they had to tread carefully around large spiderwebs.

However, UnitingCare is starting renovation work soon. The Executive Manager said, “We are planning a major refurbishment and fire safety upgrade of the building, which we are hoping to commence some time in February and hopefully we will have that completed by May this year.”

UnitingCare proposes to use the site for the provision of accommodation for socially and financially disadvantaged older people who would otherwise be homeless.

“They would have to be over the age of 60 and in need of a secure housing environment. They will be means-tested as well just to make sure they cannot afford to live elsewhere and we will make sure the people coming in will be the best fit for the community. We will have a community feel here – that is what we are hoping to achieve,” Ms Toohey said.

Rotary Court Village was operated by the Benevolent Society from the 1970s as a self-care residential facility housing up to 33 older people until June 2005 when the last remaining residents were moved from the facility.

The building has 33 studio-style units, each fitted with bathroom and kitchenette facilities. UnitingCare is planning to hold a number of open days in the coming months.

“It was a great place. They were good times,” says Bob Ferguson, a long-time resident of Rotary Court.

“All old, single people and there was a great social life. The parties were good and we used to go across the road to the Council activity centre for our lunch.”

When Rotary Court closed, its former operators moved Bob into another property operated by them and he is happy to stay there.

However, he is pleased to see his old home, about which he has so many good memories, re-open.

Source: South Sydney Herald February 2007