General News
9 December, 2021
May Noonan plans ahead
THE May Noonan Centre ushered in a new era this week with the unveiling of recent upgrades and an optimistic vision for future improvements which could include an additional 20 rooms.
THE May Noonan Centre ushered in a new era this week with the unveiling of recent upgrades and an optimistic vision for future improvements which could include an additional 20 rooms.
May Noonan residents and staff were joined by a host of guests for the unveiling, which included a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony with Elder Robbie Lowe and speeches from Corangamite Shire mayor Ruth Gstrein, Lyndoch Living chief executive officer Doreen Power and Lyndoch Living board president Susan Cassidy.
The newly-completed upgrades include a transformation of the communal lounge and dining areas. The aesthetics of the design aimed for a warm and relaxing space, and included practical improvements such as materials to reduce acoustics, flooring for easy mobility access, natural and ambient lighting and new furniture.
The renovations were scheduled to begin in 2020 but were delayed to ensure resident safety at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lyndoch Living chief executive officer Doreen Power said everyone involved felt a sense of accomplishment for what was being achieved at the centre.
“I’m so proud watching the residents sit and enjoy the ambience and the beautiful views we have, it just makes it all worth it,” she said.
“Building works were disrupted due to COVID-19 but as soon as restrictions lifted, we went back in and the board were courageous; they said go ahead.
“Our builders and architects were all magnificent, and all local, so all the design was done before we went back in to the building work. They completed the works on time, which we were conscious of because the May Noonan Centre is our residents’ home – and they were fantastic through the process.
“To look at it now, I am just so proud of everyone who played any part in this process because it is just beautiful.”
Ms Power said Lyndoch Living will establish plans for future improvements to the May Noonan Centre as part of Lyndoch Living’s masterplan.
The vision will be planned over the coming months but she said early considerations included refurbishments of the office space, residents’ rooms and en suites, and the expansion of the current facility.
“What we’re looking at is potentially building 20 new rooms for residents and some assisted living units on site. Along with the board we are starting to look at that with our architects,” Ms Power said.
“I’m hoping by about March next year I’ll be able to come and talk to the residents about what we’re doing for the next stage.
“We will be looking at funding opportunities but it will be about making this home for the community, and we want to really engage with our community here.
“It’s going to be the pride of Terang. I think the May Noonan Centre is the best kept secret.”
Lyndoch Living board president Susan Cassidy said she was surprised at how open and uninviting the communal area was after Lyndoch Living purchased the May Noonan Centre in 2018, but the space was now much cosier, warm and the residents seemed happier.
“I’m rapt with it, and because it is the start of our masterplan for what will happen, I think it is a great introduction,” she said.
“This is our resident’s home and we have to make sure they are happy in their home. Some people aren’t always happy to come in to an aged care facility so the more comfortable and friendly we can make it the better.”
Ms Cassidy said the current renovations were only the beginning and anticipates a bright future for the May Noonan Centre.
“I’m not sure why there was concern we might have been planning to get rid of it – the reason we bought it was because we wanted to keep it,” she said.
“We bought it to make it better, so May Noonan has gone in to the actual Lyndoch Living Masterplan and this is the start of it.
“We’re excited, and the best part of this facility is you can work on various sections at different times without much interruption for our residents which I think is perfect.”
Corangamite mayor Ruth Gstrein said the newly-completed refurbishments were “absolutely transformational”.
“Not only from an aesthetic point of view but for the residents, this is their home, so to have the upgrades here is incredible,” she said.
“It’s warm, it’s inviting and most of all it is comfortable. Not only for the residents but for their families to see how their home looks isjust fantastic.”
Cr Gstrein said it would be exciting to see the vision for the centre come to fruition over the coming years.
“We’re an aging population so it is important to have really good facilities,” she said.
“I think it is fabulous we are becoming part of the Lyndoch vision and what Doreen and the board have in mind sounds incredible.
“Working with them over the next few years to see the whole facility transformed is important because it is a wonderful facility and they have done a great job.”
