Q & A - Dunsborough Park

Who is SwanCare Group?
SwanCare Group is a non-profit, non-denominational organisation and has been a leading provider of accommodation for older Western Australians for nearly 50 years. It is administered by a Board of Directors, whose members are all volunteers drawn from leadership positions in the Western Australian corporate and community sectors.

What is the history of SwanCare Group?
SwanCare Group was originally established in 1961 as Swan Cottage Homes by the late Dr Richard Cleaver, a former MHR for the Federal electorate of Swan. Dr Cleaver saw the need to establish a village lifestyle in his electorate offering security, social contact and support for elderly people. Today, SwanCare Group provides accommodation and services to some 1,100 people and employs a dedicated workforce of more than 300 staff who support the specialist qualifications and broad experience of an enthusiastic Executive Management team.

Why Dunsborough?
A strategic analysis we conducted of services and facilities available for older people in the South West identified a need in the Dunsborough region for a retirement/aged care development. A retirement development was also identified as a future part of the Dunsborough Lakes Estate masterplan. SwanCare Group began working with the developers of Dunsborough Lakes more than 12 months ago to identify the most appropriate location within Dunsborough Lakes for a new retirement community.

Where does the name Dunsborough Park come from?
In line with the growth and development strategy for SwanCare Group, our retirement community in the Perth suburb of Bentley was re-named Bentley Park in 2005. As we develop future retirement communities in both metropolitan and regional areas each will adopt its own ‘Park’ identity to reflect the geographic locality and its regional association with the local area. Each of our retirement developments will be known as being ‘A SwanCare Group Community’.

How will the local community in Dunsborough be involved?
Input from the local community is pivotal to enabling us to ensure we build and provide services that are going to be used by local people living in the area. As of early 2007, a series of focus groups and meetings will be held with individuals and groups to consult with local people on what they expect a retirement development in Dunsborough to look like and the type of services and facilities it offers.

Are you working with other organisations in the area?
We have already formed a strong working relationship with Capecare in Busselton which has many similarities with SwanCare Group. Both organisations were established in 1961 and both share a common philosophy and vision. The Boards and Senior Management teams of both organisations plan to work closely as well collaboratively with each other to ensure the delivery of outstanding care services to older people living within the Busselton/Dunsborough region and surrounding areas.

When do you plan to start construction of Dunsborough Park?
In 2007, SwanCare Group will undertake further consultation with the Shire of Busselton, the Aspen Group and other regulatory bodies to ensure all required processes and approvals are obtained prior to any construction work being undertaken. With this process expected to take approximately 12 months, it is anticipated construction of Dunsborough Park could commence in mid-2008 with a staged completion of the development over the following four to five year period.

Where will Dunsborough Park be located?
The Aspen Group has generously agreed to realign the Dunsborough Lakes golf course to run adjacent to the proposed retirement development site to provide a direct link for residents to the golf course. The proposed location for the retirement development is situated off Commonage Road near the existing Light Industrial Area.

What facilities and services are planned for Dunsborough Park?
Our expectation is that Dunsborough Park will be designed to be contemporary in nature and in-keeping with the Dunsborough regional and coastal location. The proposed site could feature a central boulevard and pocket parks around the development. The independent living villas proposed for Dunsborough Park will include a range of elevation designs featuring three bedroom homes with double garages that have direct access to living areas, two bathrooms, a spacious entry area, a covered rear alfresco area, generous internal storage spaces, large lounge/dining rooms with attractive views across the public open space around Dunsborough Lakes.

It is envisaged that a proposed Community Centre within Dunsborough Park will include relaxed public lounge and dining areas, reading zones, a craft room, recreation and health centre, an external space for outdoor leisure activities, a heated swimming pool, ancillary medical consulting rooms, a hairdresser and small retail component.

How many people will be employed at Dunsborough Park?
We envisage the staffing process will be undertaken incrementally as each stage of the development is commissioned. Commencing with a core staff of around 10 - 15 full time employees, including a site Manager, administration team, care and maintenance staff. Once completed, the workforce at Dunsborough Park could number up to 75 – 100 full time employees, creating a valuable and rewarding source of employment for the local community.

Where to from here?
As previously mentioned, a comprehensive consultation and planning process will commence in early 2007. When completed, the Board of SwanCare Group will review the process and determine the next phase. We will keep the community informed via regular bulletins and updates, personal meetings and development information distributed to local media outlets.

How can I register my interest in Dunsborough Park?
You can register your interest in Dunsborough Park by contacting Mrs Natalie Hodi on 6250 0044 or by email at: natalie.hodi@swancare.com.au