$1.75 m to get Queanbeyan respite centre up and running

Federal Labor and its candidate for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain, has announced a commitment of $1 million in funding for a respite centre in Queanbeyan dedicated to caring for younger people with chronic and terminal illnesses.

The $1 million commitment comes on top of her securing $750,000 in Federal funding for capital works costs, an amount that has been matched in a pledge by the NSW State Government.

The $1 million is for staffing, training and other running costs and will enable the six bedroom Respite Care Facility to demonstrate its model of care as pilot project, and better enable the securing of longer-term funding.

The $1 million commitment comes on top of the commitment of $750,000 in Federal funding for capital works costs, an amount that has been matched in a pledge by the NSW State Government.

The Respite Care Facility for Queanbeyan model has been championed by community members in Queanbeyan so that younger people with terminal or chronic illnesses can receive temporary respite care in a dedicated facility.

Right now, younger patients whose carers need a rest must go to an aged-care facility for respite, a setting unsuitable for their physical and mental health needs.

The Respite Care for Queanbeyan was inspired by the vision of Queanbeyan local Yvonne Cuschieri, whose son Steven tragically died in the aged-care facility where he was receiving respite care.

Stating her support for the project, Kristy McBain said:

“Care is more than just a building. Care means experienced staff, dedicated training and operational support.”

“This funding will give Respite Care for Queanbeyan the best chance to demonstrate how its model will work to help younger patients and their families,” she said.

Source: ALP Media Release, 2 July 2020