By DANIELLE GALVIN
MILLHAVEN Hostel’s grand development on the Princes Highway is taking shape.
The $10 million redevelopment of the former Pakenham Aged Care facility will be home to 45 extra beds.
Millhaven CEO Linda Austen spoke at a Rotary Club of Pakenham meeting on Tuesday night about the revedelopment and the history of the facility.
She said the former hospital cost 4000 pounds and started in Roger Street in 1926.
“It had the capacity to cater for six patients and one nurse,” she said.
“In its first year, 164 patients came through the doors.”
Ms Austen said the new facility taking shape was coming along well, but help would be needed from the community with the fit-out of the building.
“We are always looking for volunteers,” she said.
As of October, the aged care facility will have extra rooms and the plan is to move residents into the new buildings while the nurshing home is being renovated.
Ms Austen said the nursing home needed a facelift and the current building was very cramped.
“The hostel and the nursing home at the time suited the community, but now there are higher expectations,” she said.
Ms Austen said the volunteer board worked hard to ensure the facility was at its best and said that the assets belong to the people of Pakenham.
Cardinia Shire councillor and Rotarian George Blenkhorn thanked Linda for her work in the community.
A cheque of $5000 was presented to Ms Austen on behalf of the Rotary Club.
