Ray Coates turns the first sod for the new building project. L-R: Building contractor, Owen McLoughlan, Respect Cohuna Village General Manager Melissa Watson, resident Cherrill Friedberger, architect Mark Grigsby, resident Ray Coates and Respect CEO Jason Binder.
Respect Cohuna Village will have the ability to accommodate five extra residents by the end of the year when an extension to the 45-bed facility is completed.
The $5 million plus project will see a new wing built at the back of the property incorporating five ensuite bedrooms and a living space that will front an existing courtyard. The existing rooms – most over 50 years old – will also receive an upgrade, and a hair salon and café will be built.
The Chief Executive Officer of Respect, Jason Binder, flew from Tasmania for the ceremonial turning of the first sod on Thursday, March 9. He was joined by the project’s builder, Owen McLoughlan, architect Mark Grigsby, residents Cherrill Friedberger and Ray Coates, and the Managing Director of Respect Cohuna Village, Melissa Watson.
The first sod was turned by village resident, Ray Coates, using a shovel that was decorated by former resident, the late Joy Calder.
“It’s been a long time coming,” said Jason. “We were intending to do it as quickly as we could when we first came along to Cohuna and a number of things held it up – COVID-19, design changes. It’s fantastic to see it happen.
“It’s a beautiful home; the staff here are fantastic, they provide excellent care, so it will be great to have the home reflective of the care they give here. It will be an amazing home for the community when it’s done.”
Owen McLoughlan said he was proud to be part of the project and involve local contractors and businesses throughout. “We’re looking forward to the project and doing the addition,” he said. “It’s a good thing for the community, we’re using all local trades.”
Work has commenced on the extension, with the room upgrades to follow.
