Armidale Regional Councillor Lib Martin, left, former Guyra Shire Councillor, 2018 Guyra Citizen of the Year and Kolora advocate Dot Vickery, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall and Councillor Di Gray at yesterday’s opening.
Tuesday, 15 May 2018
GUYRA residents now have a state-of-the-art aged care home on their doorstep, with the new $7.5 million Kolora Aged Care Facility opened yesterday.
Local MP Adam Marshall joined Federal Member for New England Barnaby Joyce, Armidale Regional Council Mayor Simon Murray and Guyra Citizen of the Year and long-time Kolora advocate Dot Vickery to open the new 32-bed building, located on the corner of Sole and Prisk streets.
“I’m thrilled that the new and enlarged Kolora is finally opened and residents will start to be transferred across from the old building by the end of the month,” Mr Marshall said.
“This facility has been on the books since long before before I entered Parliament and I know there are many Guyra residents relieved to see the project completed.
“The room at Kolora was packed to capacity which shows just how important this facility is to Guyra.
“Local advocate Dot Vickery spent over a decade relentlessly bending ears and banging on doors to make this facility a reality. There were also council members past and present there who should be congratulated for keeping this facility from being moth-balled despite the challenges they faced.
“I’d also like to mention Manager of Kolora Jan Brazel and her team who have gone above and beyond to make the old facility work beyond its capacity and can now enjoy a new work environment as they deliver their exemplary level of care to residents.
“The new building has been designed to be easily expanded when demand increases. This means that Guyra residents can retire and live out their days in their own town, close to family and friends.
Mr Marshall congratulated Armidale Regional Council for completing the project and constructing an aged care facility that local residents deserve in their twilight years.