In 2021, Banksia Villages successfully applied for a capital grant in the 2020 ACAR funding round. An amount of $2M was awarded to Banksia for the purpose of making improvements in the living environment of Banksia Lodge in support of a shift to a ‘small house model of care’.
For more information on the small house model of care click here.
Since being awarded the grant, Banksia management have been working with appointed project managers Constructive Dialogue Architects. Management and Board approved a proposal that will see a transition in Banksia Lodge’s physical environment and care model to a small house model. The ACAR funding will be used to implement the first stage in a master plan. The first stage will include the establishment of two small houses in the eastern end of the building, a central hub and café area and extension to the Lodge sensory garden and path network.
To see the Stage 1 Plan click here.
Project Update 2023:
The Department of Health and Aged Care contacted Banksia Management late in 2022 to address the 30% increase in costs within the building and construction industry since the project conception. The Department, recognising this cost increase has generously made more funds available to providers to assist them with completing their ACAR projects. Banksia has been awarded a further $809,295, making the total government funding for this project $2,809,295.
In late March 2023 confirmation was received that Banksia’s Development Application for Stage 1 works had been approved. Since receiving this exciting news, Banksia management has been working with our appointed project managers, Constructive Dialogue Architects on the documentation of the works so that we can go to competitive tender. During July and August the tender process will be underway and interior design will be reviewed, while the construction certificate is obtained. Stage 1 works are likely to commence in September and will take approximately 6 months to complete.