By Matthew Sims
The transition from learning you have a life-limiting illness into death has become a little bit easier for south-east Victorians.
Palliative Care South East (PCSE) officially opened its new purpose-built Palliative Care Community Wellbeing Hub in Narre Warren on Wednesday 10 May.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas, Narre Warren North MP Belinda Wilson and Berwick MP Brad Battin joined staff members and community members to celebrate the opening of the new space.
First launched in July 1985 in David Street in Dandenong with limited space, the new space features a purpose-built education room, occupational therapy equipment, on-site couselling rooms and clinical rooms, an art therapy room and a social enterprise cafe providing about 500 weekly visitors with a peek into the role which palliative care plays in their community.
The building was completed thanks to a $2 million state government investment announced last year.
The not-for-profit organisation provides home-based care to more than 1000 clients a year in Dandenong and Casey, parts of Kingston and Cardinia.
The launch also included a special dance performance from Hampton Park Wurundjeri dance group Djirri Djirri, led by Wurundjeri, Dja Dja wurrung and Ngurai illum wurrung woman Mandy Nicholson.
PCSE chief executive Kelly Rogerson said they were “thrilled“ to welcome the public at the launch.
“This hub provides a beautiful welcoming space for our staff and volunteers to work and be supported, for our community to visit and receive supportive care and it provides the opportunity to expand our service delivery options,“ she said.
“It reflects the hard work of our staff and supporters and the fundraising efforts of many.“
Ms Rogerson thanked architect Jake Kelly and the builders at Newpol for their work on the project.
“The building was built on the generosity of so many individuals…our volunteers and staff…and extraordinarily generous business partnerships who gave us furniture at cost price and listened to the stories our clients and carers and knew that each dollar we saved would be allocated to new services to support their community,“ she said.
PCSE board chair Margaret O’Connor AM said while the building was new, the ethos of the staff would remain the same.
“We continue to offer spiritual care and clinical care through palliative care physicians, skilled clinical nurses and nurse practitioners,“ she said.
“Today, we have a beautiful welcoming space for both staff and volunteers to work and where they are supported.“
PCSE took in 1300 referrals, took in 900 new clients and supported 737 people to die during the 2021-22 financial year, 80 per cent of which died in their place of choice.
Demand for palliative care was expected to grow by 50 per cent across Australia by 2035 and double by 2050.
Ms Thomas said she was proud to help support the new hub’s construction and development.
“We often think of palliative care as end-of-life, but it’s so much more than that,“ she said.
“This new hub is just one example of how we’re delivering Victorians the end-of-life care they need and deserve, no matter where they live.”
Member for Narre Warren North Belinda Wilson said the new hub would provide close support for those requiring care in Melbourne’s south east.
“Palliative Care South East now has the world-class facility they need to support more people across Melbourne’s south-east to get the end-of-life care they need close to home,“ she said.
One of the founding members of the organisation Dr Ruth Redpath was present during the launch and said it was “extraordinary“ to see the new building come to fruition.
“The thought and planning to make this a welcoming space, I can only imagine what an extra contribution to the community it’s going to make,“ she said.
“It’s quite overwhelming.“
