Donnybrook’s Minninup Cottages and Langley Villas to be refurbished after $2.9 million funding boost

Two aged-care facilities in Donnybrook are set for a face-lift as part of a funding boost worth nearly $3 million. The Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup has received $2.9 million under the Social Housing Economic Recovery Package grand program, which will go towards refurbishment of the facilities at Minninup Cottages and Langley Villas. It was the biggest grant distributed to any local government under the program and will “prolong the life” of houses at both sites. Shire president Leanne Wringe said the funding would help continue the town’s strong history of aged care and support. “This Shire has a long and proud history of providing facilities and services for the vulnerable, including the aged, in our community,” she said. “Following the Shire’s significant success in major grant funding over the past five years, we are genuinely excited to be awarded such a large grant to deliver major refurbishments for our existing and future tenants.” Minninup Cottages, first built in 1979, contains 12 one-bedroom units on South Western Highway, while Langley Villas houses six two-bedroom units. The new funding comes after the Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup handed over the management of Tuia Lodge to Hall & Prior Health and Aged Care Group on a 21-year lease. The aged care provider has plans to upgrade the existing facility and expand it to include an in-home community-based care program.