Federal funding secures future of Canberra respite aged care centre

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 07:08 · Archive

The Australian Government has provided $10 million to keep Burrangiri Aged Care Respite Centre in Rivett open.

The Albanese Government has provided $10 million to keep Burrangiri Aged Care Respite Centre in Rivett open. The ACT Government had decided to close the Salvation Army-run facility, claiming it was no longer fit for purpose and needed refurbishment, but kept it open once Commonwealth funding was secured.

The funding comes through the Aged Care Capital Assistance Program for infrastructure upgrades to address work health and safety issues. The closure announcement sparked significant protest from families using the facility, supported by Independent MLA Fiona Carrick and Independent Senator David Pocock. Region Canberra reports the funding has drawn accusations of breaking an election promise to increase respite bed numbers in the ACT.

The ACT Government has extended its contract with the Salvation Army to mid-2027. Infrastructure works will begin in the second half of 2027 and be completed in 2028. The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing will open an expression of interest process to find providers for replacement respite services from July 2027, with the Commonwealth also exploring options including a proposal from Goodwin Aged Care to meet longer-term respite care needs.

How it is being reported

• Row erupts despite $10 million to keep Burrangiri respite aged care operatingThe Albanese Government has come through with $10 million to keep the Burrangiri Aged Care Respite Centre in Rivett open, but it has been accused of breaking an election promise to increase the number of respite beds in the ACT. The government said the funding would deliver on a 2025 election commitment to ensure Burrangiri […]Region Canberra · 13 Oct, 06:37
• Community wins fight to save respite centre, with federal funds promisedBurrangiri Aged Care Respite Centre had been at risk of closure.The Canberra Times · 12 Oct, 19:30

In this story: Burrangiri Aged Care Respite Centre · Salvation Army · Rivett · ACT · David Pocock · Fiona Carrick · Albanese Government

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