New Carnarvon residential aged care centre allows elderly to receive care in home town

For Carnarvon resident Mary Bilicic, access to the town’s new residential aged care facility means she can return home after two years of receiving care about 500km away in Geraldton.

Residents who were forced to leave Carnarvon to access medical care have now returned home following the opening of the $19.9 million Gnullingoo Mia centre.

Health Minister Roger Cook officially opened the facility last week and welcomed residents into their new home.

At Gnullingoo Mia, Ms Bilicic is now able to have regular visits with her friends, family and husband Tom, who would otherwise be forced to make the 1000km round-trip to Geraldton to see her.

WA Country Health Service Mid West regional director Rachele Ferrari said the 38-bed centre had been designed to help residents feel comfortable and welcome.

“The design incorporates plenty of wide, open spaces with easy access to the outdoor areas and internal views of the gardens. We want to give residents the opportunity to move around outside, relax and enjoy the outdoors as much as possible,” she said.

Member for North West Central Vince Catania said the centre was a welcome relief for the Bilicic family and others who had campaigned for years for bigger and better aged care facilities.

“The result of this determination is the wonderful Gnullingoo Mia Residential Care facility, co-located at Carnarvon Hospital, allowing integration with other health services and clinical care, and providing for couples and family members, along with palliative care options for residents with life-limiting conditions,” the Nationals WA MP said.