When Uniting NSW.ACT CEO Tracey Burton officially opened the Nowra Symons House on the NSW South Coast she paid tribute to the people it is named after.
Jack and Verna Symons, who moved their family to Nowra in 1958, were instrumental in the home's building.
The pair became involved in the Methodist church, now known as Uniting, knew there was a great need for care of the elderly.
Jack became involved with the church in developing the future aged care home as Verna raised money to pay for it. They spent their entire lives to raise enough funds for such a home - a dream realised 60 years later and after their deaths.
The couple's daughters Kay Sando and Roslyn Martin were asked to open Symons House.
"It's a real honour that we've been asked to come and cut the ribbon .... and the fact that it has been named after our parents," said Kay.
"They would have been very, very proud to have known that trhis happened, and to see the development of the whole complex now."
Symons House contains 30 new independent living apartments.
As The SOURCE reported on 7 June, Uniting Nowra Symons House features affordable housing apartments for seniors to meet the needs of households requiring targeted support services and older people at risk of homelessness.
Uniting Director of Property and Housing, Simon Furness, said Nowra Symons House includes six new affordable housing apartments for seniors to meet the needs of households requiring targeted support services and older people at risk of homelessness.
“As a community service provider, Uniting NSW.ACT is also focused on providing essential community and housing support as part of our developments,” Mr Furness said.
“Uniting is proud to be part of helping to provide affordable housing and homelessness solutions. We support more government action to address this issue, including more investment in social housing and more targeted support services for older people at risk of homelessness.
“This is a fantastic example of Uniting using its property portfolio to provide quality accommodation for people from all stages of life, including vulnerable communities.”
“The development is a part of a continuum of care that creates ease of access between Uniting’s services including residential aged care and home and community care. “Uniting Symons House will further strengthen connection to community while creating outstanding and affordable seniors living for local residents to age in their local community."
