Real Estate
24 February, 2026
Aged care boost
RESIDENTIAL aged care places in Tully have received a much-needed boost, with $11 million in federal grants to go to the expansion and refurbishment of Tully Nursing Home and new staff quarters nearby.
The money will enable the aged care facility to add 12 new single rooms with private ensuites, as well as the refurbishment of communal facilities and kitchen extensions.
At the home’s entrance, a new porte cochere – a covered, drive-through entrance designed to shelter vehicles and passengers – will be built and there’ll be new outdoor spaces and parking upgrades.
And in a region where retaining staff is increasingly challenging, part of the federal infrastructure grant will go towards new staff accommodation.
Purpose-built housing for aged care facility staff will be constructed.
The not-for-profit community-owned organisation which runs the home says the new accommodation will provide safe, secure and affordable living options close to the home.
Facility manager Gail Mears says the investment will have far-reaching impacts.
“These projects don’t just improve bricks and mortar, they improve residents’ lives in a person-centred care environment,” Ms Mears said.
“Residents’ lives will benefit from modern, home-like spaces designed to support independence and dignity, while staff will have the security of nearby accommodation,” she added.
“Together, this ensures we can continue to deliver safe, high-quality care for our community.”
Once the expansion project is completed, Tully Nursing Home’s capacity of 72 residents will increase to 84, with 10 extra staff expected to join the current roster of 125 employees and about 20 volunteers.
The staff quarters will be able to accommodate 12 people and is planned to be at a subsidised rate.
“Recruitment and retention of aged care staff in rural Queensland remains difficult, with limited and unaffordable accommodation often a barrier,” Ms Mears said.
“By delivering new staff accommodation, Tully Nursing Home Inc will be able to attract and retain more qualified workers, ensuring continuity of care and reducing reliance on agency staff.”
Tully Nursing Home Inc currently operates at 100% occupancy with a waiting list of around 20 prospective residents, which it says highlights a critical shortage of residential aged care places in Tully and broader community.
“Local families are often left with no choice but to seek placements for loved ones in distant towns outside the region, disrupting support networks and increasing pressure on local hospitals that are unable to discharge elderly patients in a timely way,” Tully Nursing Home chairwoman Carmel Dore said.
“This funding will allow us to expand and modernise our facility so that elderly can access the care they need close to home,” she said.
“It will also provide the infrastructure we need to support a sustainable workforce, which is a major challenge in rural communities.”
Construction is expected to begin this year, with staged works to minimise disruption to current residents and to finalise the project as soon as possible.
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