OCTOBER 7, 2016: It was a pleasure to represent the Prime Minister today at the opening of a new specialist care wing which will provide a million dollar boost to Townsville’s aged care facilities.The Good Shepherd Home at Annandale was successful in gaining further funding under the second round of the National Stronger Regions programme last year, and today we celebrated the opening of a new wing for the facility which features 90 new rooms with private ensuites, a premium accommodation floor, a high care accommodation floor and an entire level dedicated to the care of dementia patients.This project has been completed over two stages and features three levels, and it provides a premium care facility for Townsville’s aged community.It’s particularly important to provide specialised facilities for those suffering from the debilitating effects of dementia, and this wing has been carefully considered and designed with the comfort of residents in mind.I congratulate The Good Shepherd Home for not only providing a high level of service for the past 40 years, but on their desire to continue to improve their facility to meet the current and future needs of the community.The National Stronger Regions Fund has provided $1 billion over five years to promote economic growth and address disadvantage in Australia’s regions.