WHEN Salvation Army Aged Care opened the doors of the new Kubirri Aged Care Centre in Mossman August 25, 2020, there was one very happy lady.
Marjorie Norris from the Mossman District Nursing Home, first started campaigning for appropriate aged care services for the residents of Mossman in 1996—almost a quarter of a century ago.
“It’s the fulfilment of a dream that we’ve never given up on.”
“We are absolutely ecstatic,” Marjorie said.
“It proves that if you keep on track, keep on working, eventually you will succeed.”
While an official opening was off the table due to COVID, The Salvation Army said Kuku Yalanji Traditional Owners did a smoking ceremony to acknowledge the ancestors and pay respects to the land on which the facility is built.
Marjorie was one of the few who was allowed to tour the Centre and says it’s a noteworthy facility in the ideal location for the ageing people in the Shire.
“It will provide many people with a home-like environment with access to the town, the community and the hospital,” Marjorie said.
Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said Council was thrilled with the Centre and congratulated Salvation Army Aged Care for fulfilling the community’s long held dream.
“Council has invested significantly in the project including funding a business case, securing more than $500,000 for infrastructure and waiving about $250,000 worth of fees.”
“Also this project wouldn’t have happened without the hard work of a number of Council staff who have supported the project over a number of years, in which I would like to acknowledge Mr Neil Beck, Team Leader Planning, Daniel Lamond, Planner and Mr Terry Farrelly, Manager People and Community Services for all their hard work”.
“And while Council’s contribution was certainly important, the real reason we have this wonderful facility is the unrelenting determination of Marjorie Norris and the Mossman District Nursing Home committee members who deserve our admiration for their service to the community,” Mayor Kerr said.
Kubirri Aged Care Centre is not open to visitors at present but is accepting residents, so please visit their website to learn more.
