Community
14 March, 2024
Residents welcomed to Cooinda’s new home
COOINDA participants officially began moving in to a brand new, fully accessible home this week.
The state-of-the-art villa, located at 51 Dow Street in Terang, was officially opened in December after having been under construction since mid-2023.
Participants have enjoyed a gradual transition process to build comfort with their new surroundings while furnishings and the finishing touches were placed.
The villa features modern design and equipment such as hoists, benches which can be lowered and raised, fully accessible bathrooms, and a range of safety features which will provide high-physical needs participants with safety, independence and comfort.
Cooinda chief executive officer Janice Harris said she believed the build could be the largest undertaken by Cooinda since 1970, and was certainly the biggest over her 15 years with the organisation.
“It’s amazing; we’re so happy,” she said.
“We started planning in 2020 but the slab was poured in April 2023, so it’s been just under a year from start to finish.”
Ms Harris said participants had enjoyed the process of moving in as staff took a gradual approach to ensure the new house felt like home.
“We had three participants move in on Tuesday, a lady moving in next week, and another moving in in two weeks’ time,” she said.
“We have had walk-throughs over the past few months and have gradually been moving over furniture, and we’ve bought new furniture such as new couches, dining table and kitchen tables.
“But we’ll also have things the residents are familiar with such as posters and their own beds; we just want them to feel at home.”
Ms Harris said participants were already enjoying their new spaces and all the added comforts.
“It’s so much bigger; I think it can be a little overwhelming for them to get used to.
“It’ll make things easier on staff, too.
“It’s a purpose-built home with much more space for staff to work and the equipment, such as the ceiling hoist, will make it so much easier with mobility.
“With the bathrooms and separate living rooms, it will make it better for people to have their own space.”
The only works remaining is some minor landscaping works, with each bedroom having its own adjoined outdoor area.
“It’s their own private courtyard for them to go out there and enjoy the sunshine,” Ms Harris said
Ms Harris reiterated Cooinda’s appreciation for those who have offered their support to the not-for-profit, making this project possible.
“All the philanthropic trusts, the builders, contractors and our own staff have all been fantastic,” she said.
“It’s taken a big team to get it all together and get it finished.”