Life-changing donation

“A tour of the buildings and hearing about the history of Eventide Homes and its plans for a new dementia wing convinced us that the money is going to be used for a great cause” – Pip Mangle

Stawell Eventide Homes agedcare facility has an extra $1-million at its disposal after a massive donation from Halls Gap’s Mangle family.

The family’s donation will help the aged-care centre establish a new dementia unit.

Executive officer Gary Simpson said the donation would alleviate stress for the facility when it came to applying for government grants.

He said Eventide Homes leaders would use 100 percent of the donation for building infrastructure.

Mr Simpson said the Mangle family donated the money because it ‘believed’ in helping aged care in Stawell.

He said the centre’s dementia unit would cost more than $1-million, but the money would make the building process easier.

Mr Simpson said the new unit would create more residential-care spaces for Stawell residents.

“Our community is ageing and people are living longer,” he said.

“Dementia is another thing that many people suffer from. Any donations from the community are always appreciated.”

Eventide Homes chair Peter Greenberger thanked the Mangle family for its generosity.

“We have plans for a beautiful new 12-bed dementia wing that will stand for many years,” he said.

“It is going to be a benchmark for building designs and for people living with dementia.

“It will have sensory gardens, spaces for visitors, a covered outdoor gym suitable for aged people and fixtures and fittings that will be mentally stimulating.”

Family spokesperson Pip Mangle, from Halls Gap, said Eventide Homes had gone ‘above and beyond’ in looking after elderly people in Stawell.

“Eventide Homes does a wonderful thing caring for aged people in our community, and as a family, we couldn’t think of a more worthy recipient of our donation,” he said.

“A tour of the buildings and hearing about the history of Eventide Homes and its plans for a new dementia wing convinced us that the money is going to be used for a great cause.”

Stawell Eventide Homes is home to about 97 aged-care residents and 65 residents in independent living units.