Rural Northwest Health is one step closer toward offering staff accommodation at Hopetoun as construction of its duplexes progresses.
Receiving grant funding as part of the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund, RNH engaged Swan Build to construct two, three-bedroom duplexes between Phillips Street and Roberts Lane, with the aim of attracting, and retaining, key staff including nurses.
Providing appropriate and affordable housing for regional communities where, like Hopetoun, key workers and their families struggle to find places to live, the fund also aims to stimulate economic growth in rural communities.
“Worker retention has long been a challenge for all rural health services,” RNH CEO Jenni Masters said.
“The duplexes will give our teams secure, ongoing accommodation for their families, which we hope will lead into the families integrating into the Hopetoun community and settling in our region,” she said.
Focused on family living, the duplexes consist of ample living and outdoor spaces while being relatively inexpensive to rent, compared to metropolitan areas, – something certain to pique the interest of key workers seeking a tree change.
“We are committed to improving community health and support by increasing the accommodation options available to our teams,” Ms Masters said.
The duplexes are expected to be completed by April.