It was a special day for the McMaugh Gardens Aged Care Home in Uralla this week as Friends of McMaugh Gardens’ longest serving resident officially opened their new pergola area.
In the past year, Friends of McMaugh have spent over $40,000 on paving and the pergola at the home.
The organisations longest serving resident and first Treasurer, Eileen Elks said it was an honour to open the new facility.
“I’ve lived here now for three years last June and it’s been wonderful,” Ms Elks said.
“Working with all that group over the years… most of the original members have passed on but it’s built up and built up over the years and we’ve got a really good membership.”
The paved area is wide enough for walkers and wheelchairs and leads to the pergola which has also been furnished with comfortable seating.
The new area will provide a sheltered spot for the residents to use in all seasons.
Friends of McMaugh Gardens convener, Marj Gream said the group were thankful for the support.
“We feel very grateful for the continuing support that we get from the local Uralla community,” she said.
“Paths, pergolas, seats and lifters for the enjoyment and comfort of the special people who call McMaugh Gardens home are not beyond our dreams.”
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall attended the even on Monday with many others who were recognised for their contributions.
Mr Marshall said the opening was another testament of the dedicated and caring community spirit for the aged care residents and the work the management did in providing such excellent amenities.
“You can never overestimate the value of the community contributions that go into something like McMaugh Gardens and the work done by so many, particularly volunteer, volunteer groups and other organisations in Uralla, to improve the facilities is enormous,” Mr Marshall said.
Sponsors who were recognised included the local bowling club with its annual bowls day fundraiser, the rodeo committee, the Uniting Op Shop, Thunderbolt Fishing Club, Lindsay Hunt and his wife Jo, former owners of Hunt’s Carpets, the Thunderbolt festival committee, the Uralla branch of the Regional Australia Bank and Uralla Shire Council, which operates McMaugh Gardens under its energetic complex manager Dianne Russell.
Uralla Deputy Mayor Robert Bell was another who also praised the efforts of so many supporters.
“The spirit and the practical help and contributions we see with this organisation is the perfect example of country caring...” Mr Marshall said.
