Community
24 January, 2025
Turf club finishes SWH aged care appeal
THE Camperdown Residential Aged Care Appeal ended over the weekend as Camperdown Turf Club donated the final $9200 needed for South West Healthcare to reach its $562,000 target.
Camperdown Turf Club made the donation on Saturday at the Sungold Milk Camperdown Cup, ending a 10-month campaign to raise funds to help with equipping, furnishing and decorating various spaces in the new $39.6 million Merindah Lodge aged care facility.
It has also funded the residents’ newly-arrived $100,000 minibus.
South West Healthcare community partnerships manager Suzan Morey said she was delighted to see the fundraiser reach its goal after just 10 months.
“I’m absolutely delighted the Camperdown Turf Club have given us a second $9200 donation,” she said.
“They gave us a $9200 donation a few months back, but when they heard we had $9200 left to close the appeal, they were happy to make a second donation.
“So, as of now, the appeal is over – the community has gifted the $562,000 we needed to do the finishing touches for our new residential aged care facility.
“We couldn’t be happier – it is going to be the most glorious place to stay for a group of very vulnerable people in our community who deserve a place like this.”
Ms Morey said South West Healthcare was grateful for generosity of all involved who had helped the fundraiser meet its goal.
“The support we’ve had for this appeal has been really overwhelming,” she said.
“Particularly given in the last year there has been cost of living increases and mortgage increases – it has been a tough year – but for us to have raised this money in just 10 months shows how generous our communities are.
“They’re always here to help us do what we need to do to look after our community.
“We couldn’t be more grateful.”
Aged care redevelopment manager Janine Dureau-Finn said residents would be guided through the new Merindah Lodge facility over the coming week for their first guided tour, as the finishing touches are made ahead of what is hoped to be a mid-2025 opening.
“The response from the local community has been outstanding,” she said.
“We know it’s tough times for people but they’ve been incredibly generous.
“I believe we need to look after our aged population, and we’re building a very special facility for them.”
Ms Dureau-Finn thanked Camperdown Turf Club for its generosity in bringing the appeal to a conclusion.
“They have been so generous in supporting South West Healthcare – from our maternity services to now our aged care services,” she said.
“I cannot thank them enough for the support they give us.”
In making the donation on Saturday, Camperdown Turf Club committee member Antony Finn said the fundraiser was a result the community could be proud of.
“To raise $562,000 in a local community like this is just sensational,” he said.
“We felt, as a club, we needed to be part of it –we need to give back to the community.
“We’re proud to do this.
“When they originally did the costings for the room, it was around $9200 for each room – that’s why we made the first donation, but I said to the committee we could do two and they all jumped on board.”
The donation was officially made following the conclusion of the third race at the Camperdown Cup, with announcements made over the speakers and racegoers showing their support.
“It’s a great day,” Mr Finn said.
“It’s a shame we only have one meeting a year but it’s a great day out, we’re proud of it, and I’m proud to have been part of it for 11 years.”
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