Name Revealed for the New Residential Aged Care Centre in Mossman

The Salvation Army Aged Care Plus has proudly revealed that 'Kubirri Aged Care Plus Centre' will be the official name of their 42 bed residential aged care centre in Mossman, Queensland.

The word Kubirri originates from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and means 'good spirit' or 'protector'. In English, Kubirri can be loosely translated to 'good shepherd', which holds significance for The Salvation Army Aged Care Plus as a Christian organisation.

Chief Executive Officer for Aged Care Plus, Sharon Callister, shared the news with the local community at a Community Information Session on Wednesday 13 December at the Mossman Bowls Club. Sharon said Aged Care Plus invested significant time into researching the name, discussing its suitability and seeking approval from Indigenous elders and the local community.

"As The Salvation Army Aged Care Plus, we care for people from all cultural backgrounds and religions, and it was our priority to make sure the name of the Centre was meaningful, inclusive and relevant for all of our future residents, family and staff," Sharon said.

The name was put forward by a member of the local community some time ago, and the Mossman District Nursing Home Committee held on to it over the years as one of their preferred suggestions. After further consultation with Douglas Shire community members, and the traditional custodians of the land, 'Kubirri' stood out as the preferred name for the Centre.

The Community Information Session also shared updates on the progress of the development, and anticipated timelines.

"Construction for the residential aged care centre is now underway, and we anticipate Kubirri Aged Care Plus Centre will open it's doors to older Australians in the Douglas Shire Community in early 2019," said Steven Ball, Executive Manager for Capital Projects and Property Management.

Aged Care Plus were joined by special guests on the night, including Douglas Shire Mayor, Mayor Julia Leu, Chief Executive Officer for the Douglas Shire Council, Linda Cardew and President of the Mossman District Nursing Home Committee, Marjorie Norris.

Kubirri Aged Care Plus Centre will provide industry leading physical, emotional and spiritual care, and has dedicated beds to meet the needs of local Indigenous people.