From turning the first sod to calling it home: $26.8M MSWA Shenton Park officially opens
MSWA’s new $26.8 million purpose-built accommodation facility in Shenton Park, designed for Western Australians living with complex neurological conditions, has officially been opened by Hon. John Carey MLA and Hon. Meredith Hammat MLA, alongside representatives from the Department of Health and MSWA Chief Executive Officer Melanie Kiely.
Delivered through a joint investment by the Cook Government and MSWA, and located within Development WA’s Montario Quarter precinct, the new 20-apartment facility has been designed to support people living with complex neurological conditions and high physical support needs to live more independently.
The facility will provide long-term supported accommodation for 11 current Quadriplegic Centre residents, as well as an additional nine people living with complex neurological conditions. All residents will receive 24-hour specialist support delivered by MSWA.
MSWA Chief Executive Officer Melanie Kiely said the opening marked an incredibly proud moment for MSWA, but most importantly, an exciting milestone for the people preparing to move into the facility.
“For many people, having the right home can be the difference between simply receiving care and living life to their best.”
“Projects like MSWA Shenton Park demonstrate the importance of continued investment and collaboration to meet the complex and changing needs of people living with disability," Ms Kiely said.
"Through partnerships like this, we can help more Western Australians access the specialist accommodation and support they need while creating a place where people can feel at home, make their own choices and remain connected to the community.”
Each apartment can be customised with assistive technology that allows residents to control everyday functions, including doors, beds, lighting and temperature, using methods such as eye gaze or minimal movement. The Six-Star Green Star-rated facility also features accessible outdoor spaces, a rooftop terrace, direct access to surrounding bushland pathways and shared areas designed to foster connection and a sense of community.
Among those preparing to move in is Enzo, 74, who sustained a serious head injury in a car accident in 2012. After five months in intensive care and rehabilitation at Royal Perth Hospital, Enzo moved into the Quadriplegic Centre, where he has lived ever since.
With a builder father and uncles, Enzo spent much of his childhood helping on construction sites and developing a lifelong interest in building. Enzo said he had enjoyed watching the development take shape and was excited to be calling Shenton Park home.
“I’d come down almost every morning to see how the building was going. The construction crew even started calling me ‘The Supervisor’,” Enzo said.
“I was here for the sod turn event when construction started, so it’s really special to be part of the opening day, see it finished and know I’ll be living here.
“I’m looking forward to moving into my new home.”
Ms Kiely said the opening was the culmination of years of collaboration between the Western Australian Government, MSWA, the Department of Health and the Quadriplegic Centre community.
“We are incredibly grateful for the Cook Government’s investment, to the Department of Health’s for its ongoing partnership, and to everyone who has helped bring this project to life,” she said.
