New regional at-home service opens in Lismore

A new headquarters for at-home care in regional New South Wales has been opened by HammondCare, as part of a commitment to bolster Lismore's future.

Last week, Premier of NSW Chris Minns joined HammondCare's chief, Mike Baird, to formally open the new home care regional headquarters – a move said to be "a bold, bricks-and-mortar commitment to be part of the city's future".

"It's an honour to be at the opening of such an important care provider, which will ensure older community members are supported, particularly as Lismore continues to rebuild," Mr Minns said. 

Lismore and the Northern Rivers were engulfed in catastrophic floods at the beginning of last year. Almost two years later, the people of Lismore still continue to rebuild the city and the lives the floodwaters wiped out.

Mr Baird said the new location would ensure many local older people would be supported to live the lives they choose in their local community.

"Hammondcare is delighted to be contributing to the rebuilding effort and be part of the optimism and vibrancy of Lismore," he said.

"It's great to be here to open this new regional headquarters."

The pair were joined by the minister for the North Coast, Rose Jackson, state Labor MP Janelle Saffin and Lismore mayor Steve Krieg.

Mr Krieg said the opening of the building was "a vote of confidence in Lismore and its future".

"It's great news for our older community members who can now easily access the quality services provided by HammondCare," Mr Kreig said.

"I'm looking forward to shouting Mike a beer to celebrate the opening of the new regional headquarters."

South Lismore resident Roger Manby was one of the 11 at-home clients who had their homes inundated last year.

Mr Manby is expected to return to his home in October after replacements to his walls and floors that were "turned into porridge" by the floods.

"My son warned me this flood was going to be worse than I expected," Mr Manby said.

"When the water came, we all hightailed it onto the roof and waited six hours before help arrived."

HammondCare's regional manager for at-home services, Jodi Peel, said the company's approach was to offer individually tailored support from care workers so older people can live as they want in their own homes.

Clients may also benefit from personalised activities with local volunteers and the pastoral care team.

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