Community wins fight to save respite centre, with federal funds promised

Being appointed Senior Australian of the Year in 2019 created a challenge for retired Canberra paediatrician Sue Packer.

Subscribe now for unlimited access.

or signup to continue reading

Between speaking and advocacy commitments that are part of the senior Australian role, Dr Packer was helping to care for her sister Pru Ingham, who was recovering from a fall.

Dr Sue Packer. Picture by Elesa Kurtz

The accident had left Ms Ingham, a well-known Canberra wood designer and worker, with physical and communication difficulties.

"I couldn't have fulfilled all the things I had to do without Burrangiri," Dr Packer said.

Dr Packer believes the 15-bed facility, which provides day and overnight respite services, provided better care than other services she investigated for her sister, who died in 2023.

"I think Burrangiri did really well at recognising each person they saw in the service and recognising that person's background, likes and dislikes,'' she said.

This even went to staff finding out about Ms Ingham's favourite foods and letting her know when banana pudding was on the menu.

Burrangiri volunteer Beryl Connah in 2012. Picture by Colleen Petch

Dr Packer is pleased that Burrangiri, which had been under threat of closure since 2024, has been saved thanks to $10 million in federal funding for major upgrades.

Federal Labor had promised during the 2025 election campaign to spend $10 million on respite care beds in the ACT.

After consulting with aged care and community groups, Finance Minister and ACT senator Katy Gallagher has confirmed the funds would be used for essential infrastructure upgrades at Burrangiri.

"We have heard clearly from older people, carers and the broader Canberra community that Burrangiri is an important and valued service,'' Senator Gallagher said.

Finance Minister and ACT senator Katy Gallagher. Picture by Karleen Minney

"By funding this upgrade, we will ensure Burrangiri remains part of the community for many years to come."

Federal MP for Bean David Smith said the decision "provides welcome certainty both for Burrangiri's future and for those who depend on it".

The centre will temporarily close in the second half of 2027, with the works expected to be completed in 2028. The government work the aged care sector to ensure alternative day and overnight respite care is available during the temporary closure.

The ACT government owns Burrangiri and it is currently managed by the Salvation Army.

The territory previously considered closing the centre permanently and relocating services elsewhere. But supporters of the centre, including independent senator David Pocock and independent MLA Fiona Carrick, argued the services should be retained at the Rivett site.

An expression of interest process will be used to identify providers who can deliver replacement respite services in the ACT from July 2027.

Goodwin Aged Care has already approached the federal government about providing longer-term respite care services for older people.

More from Federal politics