A social and recreational hub which enables older people and the elderly on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland to stay connected is set to undergo an expansion, with Blackall Range Care Group Ltd receiving a $100,000 grant from Eastern Star Foundation.

The Nambour Social Centre’s Sundowners and the Clubhouse Respite Room building, which was first established almost 40 years ago, will be remodelled, repainted and fitted-out with new furniture and equipment, enabling the organisation to not only meet the demand for its services into the future but to also increase the range of services offered.

Blackall Range Care Group Chief Executive Officer Greg Mannion said the Hinterland’s aged population had already surpassed the national average percentage of those aged 70+, indicating how timely these upgrades were.

“As more people choose to retire in the region in the years to come, these figures will continue to climb, which is why this funding is so vital. In the Nambour District alone, we currently provide community care services to over 650 clients,” Mannion said.

“We’ve seen how a dedicated space, where older people can get together to socialise over a game of cards, be entertained by a local musician, take part in arts and crafts amongst many other activities, can make a world of difference to their day-to-day lives. To know that this centre will be able to provide this service on a larger scale is a great outcome for our community,” he said.

The grant was one of three initiatives to be funded by Eastern Star Foundation in its inaugural grant round, since becoming a charitable foundation last year. The group, which was formerly known as Star Aged Living and was established by members of the Order of the Eastern Star, operated a not-for-profit aged care facility in Beaudesert before it was sold to Whiddon Group early last year.

Eastern Star Foundation Chairman Jonathan Nantes said his organisation’s focus was to empower charitable groups that support the ageing in our communities to live well.

“By backing this initiative, we will be helping more aged people on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland to maintain their independence, be active members of the community and have a positive outlook on life,” Nantes said. “We are proud to support this regional initiative.”