Full House as Grange Opens its Doors to the Public
July 10, 2009 
A stream of people from Hamilton and surrounding districts visited The Grange during its Open Day on June 18th. Throughout the event people were taken on guided tours of the facility by Grange Manager, Peter Francis and staff. People chatted the lunchtime away and observed first-hand the daily operations of the service, which currently provides care for up to 45 aged residents.
Visitors were welcomed by Western District Health Service Chief Executive Officer, Jim Fletcher who gave an insight into the history, current services and future challenges of the Grange, which has been caring for members of the community as a private hospital and private maternity service from 1927 before becoming an aged facility in 1956. Mr Fletcher talked about the importance of the Grange Redevelopment Project and emphasised the need for support from within the community for its successful and timely completion. He said “This Open Day is being held to promote awareness of the fundraising campaign to raise $2.2 million towards the total cost of $2.8 million for the final stage of the 4-stage development that commenced back in 1999, and to give an update on the fundraising total.” Mr Fletcher outlined the next stage of the development and gave people an opportunity to view the plans for the facility upgrade. People in attendance had the opportunity to see previous Stage 3 works completed, which ensure provision of a modern day standard of care and a comfortable environment, facilitating a caring and warm atmosphere where dignity, respect and quality of life for all residents is paramount.
Mr Fletcher said “The three objectives of this stage of the redevelopment are to meet the need for additional beds, to meet the changing needs of residents and to improve functionality, comfort for residents, and capacity for resident activity programs.”
“In terms of the fundraising campaign, our total as at today stands at $1.67 million – an increase of $270,000 since the Launch held on 2 April 2009 – a fantastic effort to date and, more importantly, there’s now only $530,000 to go.”
Major donations made and Naming Rights taken to date include:
- The Estate of BA McCutcheon $500,000 Home 3
- Dr Geoff Handbury AO $300,000 New wing
- The Estate of Hugh and Llaney Moodie $200,000 New Courtyard
- Hamilton Aged Care Trust $100,000 Redevelopment of
Activities area
- The Estate of Leo Foran $61,559 New catering area
- The Estate of Susan White $37,000 Sitting area new
Wing
- The Collier Foundation $35,000 New bedroom
- The Hospital Opportunity Shop $25,000 New bedroom
- Hamilton Aged Care Trust $25,000 Sitting room
- Joyce Alexander
- ANZ Trustees
- Mary-Ann Brown
- Megan Campbell
- Iris Field
- Glen Finch
- A G Free
- David Garfoot
- N Hyslop
- Joan Lewis
- John Kelsall
- Lions’ Club of Hamilton
- Rod MacGugan
- James Nagorcka
- Pierce Armstrong Trust
- Tom Robertson
- Michael Stewart
- Hugh Sutherland
- Jean Tonkin
- Catherine Winter-Cooke
- J S Young
- Peter & Lindy Young
Naming Rights are still available for 18 bedrooms @ $20,000 each.
The other level of recognition of donors is the ‘Donor Board’ and contributions will be acknowledged on the board beside donors’ names as follows:
- Platinum $15,000
- Gold $10,000
- Silver $ 5,000
- Bronze $ 2,000
- Loyalty $ 1,000
- Name $ 250
Donations for Naming Rights can be made by pledge over four years and for Donor Board recognition from Loyalty to Platinum can be made by pledge over three years.
Photo: Western District Health Service's Grange Residential Care.