Beloved local aged care home Cooinda Court is facing one of the biggest challenges in its 30 year history.
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Its not-for-profit board have launched a bid to acquire the land it sits on.
The land has been leased from the state government since the facility was established in 1991. They’re now 27 years through a 30 year lease.
“The building is in good shape, it’s always been well-maintained and we want to continue to do that,” president Patricia Butler said.
“If we’re able to acquire the land we can look at expanding and ensure we meet the town’s needs.”
Growing and improving the facility to support the aging Junee community is the ultimate goal.
“There’s evidence that moving elderly people out of their own environment decreases their lifespan,” manager Belinda Colgan said.
Treasurer Andrew Lawford said having to continue paying market value rent moving forward would jeopardise the facility’s viability.
“Our wish is to keep our residents within our community,” he said.
The land’s market value is between $500,000 and $1 million, but the board have applied to purchase it at its unimproved value of around $130,000. They haven’t yet received any notice on the status of the application.
While the facility is federally funded, Cooinda Court has been built and maintained solely through the generosity of Junee residents present and former.
The board are currently running a raffle of epic proportions to raise some of the funds. First prize is a 10 person corporate package to State of Origin in Sydney valued at $12,650.
Tickets are available from Cooinda Court, RE/MAX and The Crossing Motel.