Funding continues to pour into the coffers of the group that plans on building carers accommodation at the South East Regional Hospital.
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On Friday, February 18, Member for Bega Andrew Constance announced the NSW Minister for Health Jillian Skinner would supply $100,000 towards stage one of Community Carers Accommodation South East’s (CCASE) plans.
This follows the announcement in December last year that CCASE had received a grant of $450,000 towards the project under the National Stronger Regions Fund, matching the money it had already raised.
The president of CCASE, Lynne Koerbin, said she was ecstatic about the state government’s boost and estimated it would tip her group’s total funds over the $1million mark.
“Andrew [Constance] has been very supportive of the project from early on,” she said.
“He has been advocating for a commitment from the state government and he’s followed through.”
Mr Constance confirmed this funding was the first installment and he would work towards a second.
“We are incredibly humbled by the work the community has done - by Lynne Koerbin, the [CCASE] committee - and the fact we have everybody from the community to Bega Cheese making a contribution,” he said.
“The carers accommodation will make it easier to treat patients in NSW.”
As well as the government supporting CCASE, Ms Koerbin said the Cooma Lions Club has also been fundraising as the carers accommodation will benefit all people across the South East.
Bega Rotary previously donated $10,000, the Pambula-Merimbula Lions Club presented the group with a cheque for $5000 and the Bega Lions Club had its Summer of 2016 Ball on February 13 and raised $3000 towards the cause.
This ball was the first event to be held in the Bega Valley Shire Commemorative Civic Centre and Ms Koerbin said she was “very impressed” by the new venue.
“It’s definitely a good space for the community to have access to,” she said.
The stage one construction of CCASE’s plans will hopefully begin in June or July and Ms Koerbin plans to focus on fundraising for stage two, which will include a communal living space.
SERH will hold an open day on Saturday, February 27 but all public tours for the event have been booked out.
