Independent Member of Port Macquarie, Peter Besseling, has welcomed the start to construction of Port Macquarie’s $1.6 million dementia day care centre.

“This has been a truly co-operative community effort to deliver much-needed respite for people who care for loved ones with dementia,” said Mr Besseling, who is also the co-convenor of the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Dementia.

“The purpose-designed building is funded by the NSW and Federal governments, will be operated by Hastings District Respite Care on a 10,100m2 parcel of land owned by St Agnes Parish and recently transferred to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council for $1.

“Our community, in particular the team at Hastings District Respite Care, has worked hard for almost 20 years to see this centre become a reality. The hard work has now paid off and today we see the start to a project that will make life just a little easier for carers and their loved ones.

“The sad reality, however, is that the centre, and its satellite services in Wauchope and Laurieton, will become even more important to our community over the coming years with dementia now being identified as one of the major health concerns facing Australia.

“In our own community, more than 1500 people have been diagnosed with the disease, the second-highest percentile ranking in the state, and the situation is going to get worse. Within 40 years, the number of people diagnosed with dementia in our community will jump by more than 300 per cent to 6100 people.

“That is why this new centre in Greenmeadows Drive is so important. It is going to play a pivotal role in improving the lives of not only the inevitable, increasing number of people diagnosed with dementia, but also their carers.

“I offer my congratulations to every single person who has helped make this centre a reality, in particular the resolute members of Hastings District Respite Care.

“The centre, which is expected to be completed early next year, will be able to provide outings, day trips, diversionary activities, support, nursing and allied health services to people with dementia and their carers,” Mr Besseling said.