Lerwin residents celebrate new wing’s completion

An event has been held marking the end of an $8.2 million upgrade at a Murray Bridge nursing home.

Lerwin residents celebrate new wing’s completion
Residents and guests celebrate the completion of the new wing at Lerwin Nursing Home. Photo: Rural City of Murray Bridge.

Six months after it opened, residents and invited guests have finally been able to celebrate an $8.2 million expansion of Murray Bridge’s Lerwin Nursing Home.

A special lunch was served in the aged care facility’s new courtyard, the centrepiece of the development, last Tuesday.

The works also included the construction of 20 new single rooms and refurbishment of 15 existing rooms, each of which had previously held two residents.

While the nursing home’s capacity only increased by five residents, to 80, those who live there now enjoy a higher standard of living and more privacy.

Murray Bridge Mayor Brenton Lewis said the development had allowed the council, which owns and operates the nursing home, to better serve the local community.

“We are proud to be building capacity and creating comfortable environments that our most vulnerable residents can call home,” he said.

Brenton Lewis and Tony Pasin unveil a plaque. Photo: Office of Tony Pasin.

MP Tony Pasin helped officiate at the celebration after the federal government invested $550,000 in the upgrade.

“Our government understands that local aged care services face challenges,” he said.

“These upgrades will boost the capacity and improve the experience for residents at the Lerwin Nursing Home.

“Expanding the capacity of Lerwin is important in ensuring those entering aged care from the Murray Mallee can remain in the community, and thereby retain community ties with family and friends.”

The celebration was made possible after COVID-19 restrictions were relaxed in November.

At present, groups of up to two people may visit Lerwin during normal visiting hours, so long as they have received the latest influenza vaccination and observe social distancing requirements.

Lions John Filmer, Paul Wade, Ian Hollick and Terry Fischer present a barbecue to Lerwin manager Ruby Ash. Photo: Lions Club of Murray Bridge.

Lions donate barbecue for new courtyard area

One of the amenities made available as part of the new development was a barbecue donated by the Lions Club of Murray Bridge.

Spokesman Paul Wade said the club had managed to raise funds for Lerwin, as well as Resthaven and the Murray Bridge Hospital, by selling Lions cakes and Christmas raffle tickets.

He encouraged anyone who wanted to join in such efforts to consider joining the club.

“As a Lion you will enjoy fellowship, good times, meeting people, building lasting friendships, service to the community, learning new skills, leadership and personal development,” he said.

“Even a little time donated will help our club service the community.”


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