Robinvale District Health Services will be able to strengthen its services and create an ever safer and more comfortable environment for residents under the latest investment from the Morrison Joyce Government.

The $35.3 million multi-purpose services (MPS) program will see 110 aged care sites benefit from minor capital grant projects averaging $321,000 each.

Robinvale District Health Services will receive $46,205 as part of the allocations in Manangatang and $37,410 in Robinvale.

Member for Mallee, Anne Webster said the funding represented an important opportunity for Robinvale District Health Services to deliver improvements and ensure quality levels of care are maintained.

“This funding is an opportunity for providers to maintain and reinforce the health, safety and wellbeing of residents – and it offers peace-of-mind for families eager to ensure their loved one receives quality care,” Dr Webster said.

The work would range from simple improvements such as gardens and pathways to major building renovations.

Interim CEO for Robinvale District Health Services, Janet Hicks said the funding was welcome and would support the upgrade of vital equipment to improve care for aged residents.

“Manangatang campus plans to modernise the nurse call system to provide improved communication and response to residents, and replacement of bedroom furniture in the Robinvale campus, will provide a more comfortable environment,” Ms Hicks said.

Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services Richard Colbeck said the grants provide integrated health and aged care for regional or remote areas.

“We know how important it is for older Australians receiving care to maintain social connections and these services will allow people to stay in these communities, close to their family and friends,” Minister Colbeck said.

Providers of MPS sites will also soon have the opportunity to expand their services, with 100 new residential care places on offer through a competitive allocation round.

“The grant funding and the MPS places round join the Government’s $18.3 billion aged care reform package as part of the Government’s comprehensive response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety,” Minister Colbeck said.

“The Royal Commission recommended the MPS program should be maintained and extended, and $35.3 million in grant funding and a further 100 places in 2022 will do just that.”

The maximum funding available for each individual MPS site is $600,000, with providers also required to contribute at least 20 per cent of the total project costs. Grant funding will be allocated across the 2021–22 and 2022–23 financial years.

The MPS grants build on the single largest investment in residential aged care infrastructure in Australia’s history, which in July 2021 saw $150 million in capital grants allocated to residential care services, predominantly in regional and remote Australia.

Outcomes of the MPS grants, including details of the successful providers, can be found here