Management of senior housing in Kalgoorlie-Boulder secure

7/10/03
The Goldfields Aged Pensioner Welfare Association and local Goldfields Freemasons were today congratulated by the State Government for their commitment to the aged care sector.
Housing and Works Minister Nick Griffiths was addressing guests at the management handover of 31 of Kalgoorlie's senior housing units from the association (GAPWA) to the inaugural Goldfields Masonic Homes Board.
Mr Griffiths said the long-term commitment of GAPWA to seniors in the city of Kalgoorlie-Boulder had earned members high regard within the aged care sector and the wider community.
Located in Forrest, Alford and Wilson Streets, the units began in 1991 as a tripartite agreement with the Department of Housing and Works, the pensioner association and the Kalgoorlie-Boulder City Council.
"Aged care is a crucial issue for our community and these units are very relevant examples describing the success of the State Government's Joint Venture Housing program," the Minister said.
"This program is extremely successful in many areas of the State. It permits non-profit, incorporated groups and local authorities to provide locally-managed housing for a designated target group.
"The Gallop Government encourages positive initiatives on behalf of the aged care sector, particularly in relation to increasing accommodation options for our ageing population.
"We recognise the need for community support and on this occasion I would like to recognise the contribution of two tireless senior volunteers, Mr Jack Tinetti and Mrs Lorna Mitchell.
"These local people have been stalwart in their work, Mr Tinetti as acting secretary/treasurer of GAPWA for nearly 50 years and Mrs Mitchell, president for 20 years.
"It is to their credit that they and their association members have recognised the need to transfer the reins of management to a younger group."
Mr Griffiths said the new Goldfields Masonic Homes Board had shown similar commitment, with its vision of providing additional seniors' housing in Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
"This is an acknowledgment that as baby boomers moved into retirement, there will be an unprecedented demand for a variety of seniors' accommodation options," he said.
Minister's office: 9222 8950