Suggestion for aged care home in Atherton mentioned. Proposed for the former Atherton CWA High School Hostel.

November, Meeting was called by the Atherton Shire Council to discuss the project.

Planning Committee was formed, chaired by Rev. Graham Whybird. The site on 14 acres behind Atherton Hospital was dedicated on November 20. Fundraising appeal was launched by member for Mourilyan, Mr Roy Armstrong on 5 November with Mr Kevin Wadley as chairman of the fundraising committee.

Carinya means ‘a happy, peaceful home’ or ‘our home’ in Aboriginal native language, following a community completion in 1974 to choose a suitable name.

June 19 construction contract was signed with J. and J. Chapman and building commenced. Despite the halving of federal subsidy from $4 to $2 for every $1 raised by the community.

December, Miss Anne Barr the first Carinya resident moved into the newly-completed home.

June 10. Official opening of the first stage of Carinya Home.

Carrington Court Units, which comprises 15 Independent Living Units, was built along the northern and western boundary from 1984 to 1991. There are 7 duplex units and 1 single unit.

The Nursing Wing, now know as Walsh Court of 29 places was built with 2/1 funding from DHA as a 25-bed high care facility. 4 extra rooms were added in 2001 originally as unfunded and then funded when the 20-bed allocation for dementia wing was successful in 2002.

Specific Care Unit known as Barron Court is a 16 bed ‘ageing in place’ unit opened in November. This unit was self-funded and supported enormously by the local community. The allocation of places was for 6 high care and 10 low care residents.

February, the construction of Enid Collins Lodge commenced on the northern side of Jim Chapman Lodge. 45 bed High Care and Low Care building, incorporating 30 extra places approved in the 2011 Aged Care Approvals Rounds (ACAR). This building is partially funded by a $3.6 Million Zero Real Interest Loan approved by the Federal government in the 2011 ACAR. The Home is funding the other $9.4 Million. In addition to this project, as part of the Home’s Site Master Plan, Wadley Court will be renovated to a majority of single room accommodation. 15 beds from Wadley Court will be relocated to the new Enid Collins Lodge.

The Wellness Centre commenced building. Adjacent to and form part of, the existing residential care facility. The centre will be the focal point for the Home for most day to day activities conducted by our capable team of Diversional Therapists. Offerings include arts and crafts area, a gymnasium, large open areas including an outdoor covered deck, servery, and treatment room for doctors and allied health professionals.

November. Wellness centre has been built, and is now accessible to all residents.