Hospitals and community health centres in Third World countries like East Timor struggle to equip their facilities with vital medical equipment, let alone other necessities like beds, chairs or dining furniture.
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Fortunately, the team at Southern Cross Care, Parkes have been able to help by joining forces with ParaMarcia, a charity whose goal is to transform the lives of the East Timorese people.
ParaMarcia approached Southern Cross Care’s Management Committee while planning was underway for their new state-of-the-art 62 bed Residential Aged Care Home on Middleton Street, Parkes.
A Friendship Agreement exists between the Shire of Parkes in NSW and the village of Weberek in Timor Leste, providing the perfect opportunity for a joint mission project to East Timor.
With Southern Cross Care’s new complex due to open mid-way through this year, and the de-commissioning of the old building imminent, it was an opportune time for them to repurpose furniture, fittings and building materials for a good cause.
Peter Deardon, a member of the Management Committee said the project was a good cultural fit.
“Southern Cross Care is a leader in environmental sustainability in the aged care sector, so we were particularly keen to minimise landfill and waste.”
Southern Cross Care pledged beds, armchairs, chairs, dining tables and chairs and even the building’s roof to ParaMarcia who will now furnish community centres in Timor Leste.
Additionally, Southern Cross Care has donated $15,000 towards assisting the Timorese people with improved health services.
Bill Shallvey on behalf of ParaMarcia has been blown away by the generous response.
“It takes a huge amount of pressure off us in trying to fund these projects,” he said.
Stephen Edwards Construction, who are building the new Residential Aged Care home, generously came on-board pitching in $5,000 and Midson, one the project consultants donated a further $1,000,” Shallvey said.
Stephen Edwards Construction is also working with other builders Calvani Pty and Sci-Fleet Roofing Contractors, donating labour to salvage roofing materials.
“It’s been a rewarding experience being able to help those less fortunate and also to recycle,” Shallvey said.
Southern Cross Care will soon unveil a $21.5 million world-class Regional Aged Care Home in Parkes.
The facility will sit alongside 83 modern Retirement Living units, a new Home Care office, and will offer a café, gymnasium, chapel, medical service rooms, hairdresser and beauty salon together with a vibrant community centre.
