Kemira in the Running for International Recognition

Kemira at IRT William Beach Gardens has celebrated its first birthday by being selected as a finalist in both the 2017 Property Council of Australia Innovation and Excellence Awards, and the Fifth Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards. 

The specially designed Community for ageing people with intellectual disability and their primary carers opened on 9 February 2016. It features 12 universally designed villas, a community centre, and a fivebed respite centre.

"We are immensely proud of Kemira. Previously there was a gap between aged care and disability services, which Kemira has addressed," IRT Group Chief Executive Nieves Murray said.

"At Kemira, people with intellectual disability rent a home of their own and live with their primary carers within a supportive community as they age.

"This ensures that people with disability can continue living at Kemira even if they become separated from their primary carers due to poor health or passing," Ms Murray said.

Kemira residents Christine and her daughter Narelle now live next door to each other in one-bedroom units.

“As us carers age the worry is what will happen to our children. It's taken a load off my mind – it's been the worry of my life, my daughter's future," Christine said.

Her daughter Narelle says she likes Kemira because it's safe and she's always got friends to talk to.

"I go out for dinner in the community room, to watch DVDs or talk and giggle and laugh. It’s a change but it’s good to do your own stuff," she said.

Kemira is already a three-time award winner. Last year, the innovative Community was honoured with an Australian Business Award for Community Contribution, Best Commercial Project ($3-5M) from the Master Builders Association of NSW and a Highly Commended in the Excellence in Innovation category at the Illawarra Business Awards.

The Property Council of Australia's Innovation & Excellence Awards is one of the most prestigious property awards programs in Australia, promoting excellence in design and innovation in the built environment since 1982.

Additionally, the Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards aims to recognise the best in health and elderly care and to applaud organisations that have displayed innovative contributions to change the way the region’s Seniors age, and to shape the future of the ageing landscape.

Winners of the PCA awards will be announced at a Gala dinner at ICC Sydney on 5 May, while the Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards will be announced on 26 April in Singapore.

Click here to find out more about IRT's aged care services.

Pictured: Kemira residents Narelle (left) and her mother Christine (right)