South Australian aged care provider Helping Hand has received planning approval from the City of Whyalla Council for the redevelopment of its Copperhouse Court and Yeltana aged care homes in Whyalla, 400km northwest of Adelaide.
The upgrade will provide a total of eight new rooms across the two sites, the only aged care homes in the town, and will be funded by a Federal Government grant, which has increased from an initial $17.2 million awarded in 2024 to $22 million to allow for cost increases.
"No residents will be asked to move out during the development. Each phase is being thoughtfully planned to ensure the number of available rooms stays the same throughout, in recognition of the strong demand for aged care beds in Whyalla," said Helping Hand CEO Chris Stewart, adding construction is expected to begin before the end of the year.
The project includes the following improvements:
For Helping Hand Yeltana:
- A new wing,
- An upgrade of all shared rooms to individual rooms with ensuites (no shared bathrooms),
- A new dining area and multi-purpose activity space,
- An upgrade of electrical systems, and
- New courtyard with BBQ and water feature.
For Helping Hand Copperhouse Court:
- Additional rooms,
- A flexible multi-purpose space for activities,
- An upgrade to rooms and amenities, including painting and flooring, and
- Landscaped and sheltered external areas.
“Residential aged care will always have a place in the community, and as the population of older South Australians increases, we need to make sure we keep up with improving the quality of the care available in regional communities,” Chris said.
Kennett Builders have been appointed the project's builders. They have worked with Helping Hand on previous projects in Jamestown and Port Pirie.
Kennett Builders General Manager, Anthony Carbone said, “We’re committed to using local trades wherever possible for this project, which means this investment will create real opportunities for local tradespeople in Whyalla. We see building strong partnerships with local contractors as absolutely key to the success of this development.”
Helping Hand acquired Kindred Living, which had been operating the two homes in Whyalla since 1968, in 2022.
