A CENTRE designed specifically for people who have multiple sclerosis and similar neurological conditions is under construction and is proposed to open at the end of the year.
Create a free account to read this article
or signup to continue reading
Multiple Sclerosis Society of WA chief executive Marcus Stafford and Mayor Gary Brennan turned the first sod where the centre is under construction on Mason Road Davenport.
Mr Safford said "Bunbury is a jewel in the crown" and saw it as a major growth area in the state.
"This is an area we are continuing to see more people settling down and this centre will accommodate for the growing population," he said.
"The centre will double our current workforce and provide many necessary services.
"There is a growing number of people who have MS and we aren't sure why but know it is something we need to continue to provide more services for."
The $1.5 million centre will feature a physiotherapy gym which will include massage rooms, exercise bikes and therapy rooms for group sessions.
They will offer a range of medical services including occupational therapy, physiotherapy and fatigue management.
There will also be outreach sessions, counselling and peer support groups facilitated for people living at home needing help.
"We currently have 234 Members in the region, not including their family and carers, who will all be able to access a wide range of services at the purpose-built Centre," he said.
"It will not only be for people with MS but also those who have had a stroke or acquired a brain injury."
Mayor Gary Brennan said they were creative in sourcing a site and were pleased to have found a large block of land to accommodate the build.
"This facility will make a big different to people in our community and I congratulate everyone involved in the process," Mr Brennan said.
Project architect Alec Whyte said they had designed a building specifically to suit the needs of people with disabilities and also to fit the requirements of the surrounding area.
He said it had taken 18 months to plan and design the building and it would have a welcoming feel to it.
"A lot of thought has gone into catering for specific needs and the building will have smooth, rendered surface panels and a large canopy entry."
The MS society in Bunbury is being run out of a converted house and Bunbury Outreach Group president Lynda Whitton said this was a fantastic and much needed building.
Ms Whitton was also diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1996 and a National Advocate for MS Australia.
“It will be lovely to have all of the services under one roof. Where we currently are is basically a modified house, so it’s not ideal for people in wheelchairs and the physio room doubles-up as a counselling room," Ms Whitton said.
“I’d also like to thank the people of the South West who donated to the yearly Swim for MS in Bunbury. In our first year alone we raised more than $55,000 and all of the money from the swims has gone towards helping us to relocate to this new Centre.
In September 2014, Lynda’s husband Colin, died in a workplace accident, the company he worked for, BHP Billiton, has donated $80,000 towards the fitting out of the new Centre.
