Aging members of Sydney's Antiochian Orthodox faith community have welcomed the opening of a new nursing home thanks to a $8.5 million NSW Government investment.
Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper today opened the St Nicholas Senior Care Centre's new 80-bed facility at Punchbowl in Sydney's southwest.
Parishioners and community members also made significant contributions to help pay for the purpose-built, $26 million centre.
It is the first aged-care centre in NSW designed and completed in accordance with the recommendations of the Aged Care Royal Commission.
Census data reveals that more than 10,000 NSW residents identify as followers of the Antiochian Orthodox faith.
Canterbury-Bankstown Local Government Area boasts the greatest number of followers in the Greater Sydney region, with 3,182 parishioners.
NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:
"The opening of this centre means that older members of the Antiochian Orthodox faith community can remain close to family and friends."
"The tailored care they receive is aligned with their cultural traditions and faith, and delivered by those who love and understand them."
NSW Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:
"Our older residents have spent their lives paving the way for younger generations to reach their aspirations, so it's only appropriate that we provide them with the care and support they require in their twilight years."
"By investing in culturally appropriate care we can ensure these trailblazers can age in dignity."
Member for Bankstown Jihad Dib said:
"It is great to be here for the opening of this facility, I have watched it from the very beginning when the first sod was turned to evolve into the wonderful precinct we have today. It a great addition for the Antiochian Orthodox faith community who contribute to the wonderful diversity we have in our local area."
His Eminence, Metropolitan Basilios-Archbishop of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines said:
"With support from the NSW Government and Multicultural NSW, and the good will and generosity of our congregations, we are delighted to provide a loving environment for the elderly in our community."
"St Nicholas Seniors Care Centre will be a place of loving care and support with modern, state of the art facilities designed to make life comfortable and enjoyable for our residents."
"God's guiding hand has helped us deliver an important community asset, and we give Him thanks and praise."
