Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Russell Broadbent MP

Russell Broadbent secures $40M for Woorayl Lodge expansion, adding 40 aged-care beds in Leongatha

Russell Broadbent MP has pledged $40 million for Woorayl Lodge expansion, adding 40 aged-care beds. The new 80-bed facility in Leongatha will address rising demand, ensuring quality local care and economic benefits.

By news@gippsland - 18th March 2025 - Back to News

Federal Independent Member for Monash, Russell Broadbent MP, has committed to securing $40 million to create up to 40 extra aged-care beds for residents in Leongatha. Federal government funding would initiate the highly anticipated construction of Stage 1 of Woorayl Lodge's new facility on Boags Road. The design comprises an 80 bed, state-of-the-art facility that would allow residents to age in the one place.

Russell Broadbent commits $40 million to expand Woorayl Lodge, adding 40 aged-care beds to meet Leongatha growing demand in its aging 50-year-old facility

Woorayl Lodge expansion

The original building is more than 50 years old and struggling to meet increasing demand. Mr Broadbent said that after years of behind-the-scenes work, now is the time to see this project through to completion. "We are seeking $40 million for construction because the people of Leongatha deserve this project. We want to ensure people can receive quality care locally, rather than moving location, which only places further strain on the resident and their support network," Mr Broadbent said.

Presently, Woorayl Lodge is a 41-bed facility, with more than 30 people on their waiting list. Co-Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Ross, said the greater Leongatha region desperately needs the new facility.

"In South Gippsland, we are seeing an increase of people aged over 80 years who are
in need of care. They are not coming into care until later in life, so they have more complex needs. There are no other facilities of this scale being planned for this region, so Leongatha and the greater region will benefit. Not to mention the creation of jobs and the wider economic benefits," Mr Ross said.

Pictures from Google Maps.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Darren Chester secures $20,000 to preserve Tambo Valley trenches commemorating Victoria's WWII history
  Darren Chester secured $20,000 funding to preserve the historic Tambo Valley Trenches, enhancing access, safety, and interpretation, while honouring East Gippsland's wartime history and boosting cultural tourism along the Great Alpine Road.
• Baw Baw Shire Council secures funding for four key road safety projects through TAC and federal Blackspot Programs
  Baw Baw Shire Council secured TAC and Federal Blackspot funding for four key road safety projects in Warragul and Drouin, targeting high-risk areas with upgrades to improve safety for all road users.
• Martin Cameron says new emergency services tax replaces fire levy, adding enormous pressure to struggling small businesses
  Latrobe Valley small businesses face soaring costs as Labor's new Emergency Services Tax replaces the Fire Services Levy, with Nationals warning it punishes regional communities and fuels insolvencies amid financial mismanagement.
• Melina Bath urges parents, carers, and educators to provide submissions to improve child safety by 30 November 2025
  Victoria's Child Safety Inquiry calls for public submissions to investigate early childhood education failures, restore family confidence, and recommend reforms ensuring children receive safe, high-quality care and protection.
• West Gippsland CMA hosts free sustainable farming workshops with local landcare groups from September 2025 to March 2026
  West Gippsland CMA is hosting free farm field days September - March, showcasing sustainable agriculture, carbon farming, and local expertise. Workshops cover soil health, biodiversity, biofertilizers, and agribusiness opportunities.