A FEASIBILITY study for a proposed dementia village in Heathcote could be underway by November.
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Fundraising for the study is ongoing. But City of Greater Bendigo community partnerships manager Steven Abbott said there was flexibility to complete it in stages.
“Our current financial position enables us to start the process in November,” he said.
“As we raise additional money, we can add subsequent stages to the process.”
A $150,000 contribution by the state government, in June, boosted the tally further towards its $300,000 target.
Mr Abbott said the steering committee met earlier in the week to determine a path to reach its fundraising goal.
“We’re well on your way. We just need to continue to push for additional funding,” he said.
The committee is planning a forum for the Heathcote business community, to familiarise them with some of the details of the project.
“We’re looking to do that in the next month or two,” Mr Abbott said.
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Mr Abbott’s comments came as Melbourne-based philanthropist and AFL Women’s pioneer Susan Alberti addressed attendees at a grand final lunch in Bendigo.
Earlier in the year, she became the spokesperson for the Heathcote Dementia Village campaign.
“It’s now got more than legs – it’s going to happen,” Dr Alberti said of the initiative on Wednesday.
She reflected on the project’s origins – an idea raised by a nurse while Dr Alberti was in town to deliver a speech, “a few years ago.”
Dr Alberti said the nurse was “absolutely passionate” about the care available to patients with dementia.
“She told me a dream and a vision and I thought, ‘You’re amazing, lady’,” she said.
“Of course I said, ‘Leave it to me, I’ll get in touch with the CEO up there.’
“I did, we met, and I gave some funding to then do a feasibility study, and look what’s happened.
“We’ve got government, we’ve got local council, we’ve got banks behind us, and it’s going to happen.”
The project, an Australian first, is based on a Dutch model and has the potential to deliver care for up to 150 dementia patients.
The specially-designed village would enable patients to maintain a community lifestyle and maximise quality of life.
The feasibility study will consider demand for the village, as well as whether the proposed model is appropriate for Heathcote.