General News
14 November, 2024
Grant to accommodate regional workers
Recipients of the first round of the state government's $150 million Regional Worker Accommodation Fund have been announced, with Rural Northwest Health (RNH) being amongst over 20 projects to receive funds.
The fund aims to support regional businesses by attracting and retaining staff with new homes for workers and their families.
Applicants were able to apply for a minimum of $150,000 and up to a maximum of $5,000,000 per project.
RNH received $1.25 million to help construct accommodation for key workers at Hopetoun.
With RNH also contributing $750,000 to this project, they plan to undertake a $2 million project to build three-bedroom duplexes between Phillips Street and Roberts Lane, in Hopetoun.
CEO Jenni Masters said worker retention has been a challenge for all rural health services.
"Closing 'Urgent Care' was not something we took lightly, but it was necessary at the time due to severe staff shortages," she said.
"We’re hopeful that the new accommodation will attract staff and bring us closer to being able to safely reopen it for the community."
The duplexes will include ample living and outdoor space for workers and their families, who will hopefully intergrate into the community and region.
“It will also cut down on our agency staff expenditure which, while necessary to retain services at our Hopetoun campus, does have significant budget implications," she said.