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Family donates $1.7 million to transform dementia care at aged care facility

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Family donates $1.7 million to transform dementia care at aged care facility

Screenshot 2025-10-09 at 11.44.32.png Family donates $1.7 million to transform dementia care at aged care facility
The donation will benefit aged care residents living with dementia in Stawell. (Supplied: Eventide Homes)

A local family has gifted an "unprecedented" private donation of $1.7 million to enhance the lives of residents living with dementia at an aged care facility in western Victoria.



Eventide Homes in Stawell received the donation from members of the Mangle family from Halls Gap, who had previously contributed $50,000.





Eventide Homes CEO Gary Simpson said the larger donation was made unexpectedly a year ago and revealed publicly last month.



"It was just a wonderful surprise when at the end of a lunch [a member of the family] reached into his pocket and pulled out a cheque," Mr Simpson said.




"I've never held a cheque for that amount of money in my life."

Gary Simpson, Eventide Homes



Mr Simpson said the reason behind the gift was unknown as the family did not have a member being cared for at the home.



He confirmed the entire sum would be dedicated to improving the dementia care wing at the aged care facility.



"The Mangle family has requested we spend the $1.7 million on bricks and mortar type projects for dementia … not a single dollar will go towards overheads or into general revenue," he said.



Mr Simpson said the goal was to modernise the dementia wing and create a facility that would set a new benchmark in aged care.





"The generosity of the Mangle family will allow us to deliver an absolute state-of-the art dementia facility that we think a lot of other aged care providers will be envious of."



A national dementia design expert visited Eventide in August to advise on infrastructure improvements.



The redevelopment is expected to include fit-for-purpose living spaces tailored to the needs of residents with dementia.



Northern Grampians Shire Mayor Karen Hyslop said the donation would have a lasting impact.





"The generosity of the Mangle family will create a lasting positive impact that will be passed on to future generations; it will benefit our community for many years to come," Cr Hyslop said.



According to Dementia Australia, an estimated 293 people are living with dementia in the Northern Grampians Shire.



Eventide currently cares for 15 residents with dementia, but Mr Simpson said that number was expected to grow.



Dementia is now the leading cause of death in Australia, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.



More than 425,000 Australians were estimated to be living with dementia in 2024, with projections suggesting that figure could exceed 1 million by 2065.



Representatives from the Mangle family declined to comment on the donation.



Written by: Peter Quattrocelli, ABC News.

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This is all good and fine, but it should be the job job of the government to see oversee that private institutions do the job and have the correct facilities to look after the vulnerable properly. Everyday we read about scandals in childcare and in care institutions to the delight if politicians when our eyes are taken away from very important issues that they find difficult to deal with. And yes, the Media plays such a good role on this. Shame on the lot of you.
 
I agree with Zuki but it is still a wonderful gesture of the Mangle family and that particular home and residents are very fortunate as will future residents be. Unfortunately it is often only when these types of gifts are given are the greatest benefits shown. As we all know all aged care are barely keeping their heads above water so I hope we hear the progress of how this money is spent and see the results. Transparency and oversight are important.
 
When did the Gov ever do what it should ? Especially the one we have in power now, they seem to send money overseas or spend it on sport facilities !
Good on the Mangle family that was a wonderful thing to do, and good on Eventide for saying the donation will only be spent on what it was given for.
 
When did the Gov ever do what it should ? Especially the one we have in power now, they seem to send money overseas or spend it on sport facilities !
Good on the Mangle family that was a wonderful thing to do, and good on Eventide for saying the donation will only be spent on what it was given for.
The Govt. plenty of money on a lot of entertainment activities. They are a luxury. They forget that if people aren't able to access health treatment many people cannot go to those events. Some people wait 3 + years for a knee replacement.
Hopefully this will also enable the Aged Care Facility to be able to employ more staff including therapists. The ratio of staff: residents is not satisfactory where there is a lot of people who need 2 staff for safe handling, not one
 
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There’s really some incredible people in the community who are willing to donate to seniors such an incredible amount Of money tossniors. Sadly, it should be the government who is responsible for contributing to the community, not a private citizen. No surprise though, because so much money goes to Al o’s travel, it doesn’t leave much for the citizens who need it most.
 
The Govt. plenty of money on a lot of entertainment activities. They are a luxury. They forget that if people aren't able to access health treatment many people cannot go to those events. Some people wait 3 + years for a knee replacement.
I agree the government do not have their priorities right, neither state nor federal and unfortunately I do not see it getting better anytime soon.
 
Yes, it is a shamefull that financial assistance is coming from this generous donation. Australia is not a third world country, as a civilized country?? we should be looking after all those who are vulnerable and I would say victims of dementia would fit that criteria. So what is happening, where does the money go and why is it that social services are on their knees.
 
We, the older Australians, have a duty of care not to solely rely on the Gov help, but to look after our health - by using natural medicine and exercising. It is in our own hands, folks! The earlier you start, the better.
 

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