Kubirri Aged Care Centre Turns Two

It has been over two years since Kubirri Aged Care Centre (“Kubirri”) opened its doors to residents in August 2020 and since then, the 42-bed residential aged care centre has provided exceptional service to its many residents. It is also a place of community, warmth and friendship for residents and staff alike.

Nestled in tropical Far North Queensland, in the heart of the Douglas Shire, with stunning views of the Mossman River, Kubirri Aged Care Centre Manager Angela Grace says she loves the Centre’s “unique area” and “its unique people.” The Centre seeks to care holistically for each individual resident, providing bespoke treatment for those with chronic diseases, NDIS requirements, respite care, memory support and palliative care – to name a few.  In an attempt to further enhance resident care, the Centre has built a strong rapport with the local hospital, Mossman Multi-Purpose Health Service, and now has a qualified medical team on board – a great asset to a residential aged care centre.

Perhaps the most unique aspect of Kubirri’s service, however, is its ability and commitment to provide for the needs of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents as they seek to retain their connection to their culture and Country. Over one quarter of the Kubirri residents are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and, with this in mind, Centre Manager Angela seeks to find tangible ways in which this community can maintain connection to their culture.

Angela has noted one of the initiatives loved most by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents has been the fortnightly visits from the women involved in the local Elder’s Justice Group. Once a fortnight, this group visit the residents’ and they have the opportunity to share a yarn and reminisce. Angela also places great value in their visits. “It’s really important to have input from the community,” she says. 

The highlight, however, is the monthly high tea with the local Elder’s Justice Group. The Centre’s connection to culture was also visible in the recent and in past NAIDOC week celebrations, where the Centre’s bus was brought out in the NAIDOC Week Parade.

Residents also really appreciate having the Chaplain, Susanne Green, on site who, in her words, “support[s] both staff, families and residents through their days and trials, no matter whether that is making cups of tea or holding a resident’s hand as they pass from this life.” Susanne’s personal approach to her chaplaincy is “to just love [the residents], dealing with each person as an individual.” Susanne has also noted that God is an integral part of her life and “being able to show God in all I do is humbling. Having a position that requires me to spend time, talking with residents and holding their stories is a great reward.”

Centre Manager Angela has observed that the community of Kubirri is a place loved by all that the Centre is “like a family,” with a particular focus on the residents’ love for the staff. Angela says: “they love the care they receive, the kindness from staff, and of course, they love the food, specially prepared on site by their Chef.” Angela states that this is not only a drawcard for the residents but for the visitors alike. “Every time we have visitors, they always note how beautiful the food is.” With 42 residential rooms with bright, sun-filled rooms and a backdrop of tropical Queensland, there’s a lot to love.