Respect Tongala Memorial general manager Vikki Ough addresses the crowd. Photos: Aidan Briggs
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Respect Tongala Memorial aged care home celebrated their renovations with an afternoon tea for its residents and the community on Wednesday, May 29.
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The facility underwent renovations in its Memory Support Unit for residents with dementia.
These renovations included new furniture and flooring in communal spaces, kitchen and dining upgrades, and the addition of a new hair salon
Tongala Memorial general manager Vikki Ough was happy with the updated space, and confident the renovations will help better support its residents.
“It’s been wonderful to see the impact these recent renovations have already had on our community… among residents but also our staff too,” she said.
“Not only have the upgraded areas of our home created a more modern and improved environment, but the spaces are more functional too, and this will only further support staff to provide the highest level of care and service to residents.”
Respect Tongala Memorial’s Rob Moore, Karen Moore, Gemma Rentsch, Vikki Ough and Danielle Bradley.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Neil and Mavis Grummitt made a significant contribution of $300,000 for the renovations.
Mrs Grummitt said she and her late husband wanted to give back to the community that they have been deeply connected to for many years.
“Charlie Grummitt, my late husband Neil’s father, set the example for the family to donate to the local community. One of his responses was to support Tongala Memorial and following this, they named one of their wings ‘Ruby’ after his wife [who was a former resident],” Mrs Grummitt said.
“My late husband was a Deakin Shire councillor, which had its headquarters in Tongala. I taught at the Tongala Consolidated School for two years and this gave us both strong ties with the district.
“Often country areas miss out on support that is needed, and we felt we could assist those that need it most, not far from where we lived.
“Tongala Memorial was one we felt needed financial support to help our aged population locally.
“It gives great satisfaction to hear of improvements that have been made as a result.”
Residents enjoyed an afternoon tea as part of the celebration.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Ms Ough thanked Mrs Grummitt and the wider Tongala Memorial community for their support of the facility.
“The afternoon tea gives us the opportunity to recognise the impact (the donation) had on us, and to say thank you to the wonderful generosity provided,” she said.
“I’m sorry that Mavis couldn’t be here today to see all the well wishes here.”
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