Hinchinbrook MP, Andrew Cripps, last week accompanied North Queensland based LNP Senator, Ian Macdonald, to meetings with aged care providers in Tully and Innisfail, to discuss some of the challenges facing the aged care sector in the Cassowary Coast Region.

Mr Cripps said he had invited Senator Macdonald to visit Warrina Home for the Aged in Innisfail and the Tully Nursing Home, with a view to giving the Senator a better understanding of the growing needs of the Cassowary Coast Region, in terms of aged care.

“The Cassowary Coast Region is fortunate to have these two community-based aged care providers operating in Tully and Innisfail, along with the Rockingham Home for the Aged in Cardwell, to service the needs of our local community” said Mr Cripps.

“As not-for-profit organisations, both Warrina and the Tully Nursing Home rely on donations, the fees payed by their residents and support from the Commonwealth Government to provide their services, maintain their facilities and increase their capacity” he said.

Senator Macdonald said we was very impressed with the two facilities that he visited and said the aged care homes in both Tully and Innisfail provided a wonderful service to those who had contributed so much to the local community over a lifetime.

“However, it is also clear that Warrina Home of the Aged and the Tully Nursing Home are both very significant employers in their respective local communities, so the importance of these places is bigger than providing aged care services” said Senator Macdonald.

“The economies of the both Tully and Innisfail are enhanced by the jobs created by these facilities – not only for direct employment at the home, but also from the on-going maintenance work for local contractors, local food suppliers and service providers” he said.

Senator Macdonald said we was aware of strong submissions by both Warrina and the Tully Nursing Home for Commonwealth Government supported bed places and indicated that we would be urging the relevant Federal Minister to consider them favourably.