It hopes a planned extension will make way for a number of new beds to meet demand.

Initially the hostel was to be used for respite care as well as on-going care for the frail aged, but with beds taken up by permanent residents those requiring respite care are generally housed at the Moora hospital, taking up valuable bed space there.

The extensions at the hostel will cost over $1 million.

The new building would include six new beds, a new laundry and activity room, and would make the outdoors visible from the existing dining room.

The committee intends to apply for funding from a range of Federal, State and local sources but even if these applications are successful they will still need to find about $400,000 to complete the project.

They are appealing to the community to support them with either cash or in-kind donations to help reach their target.

“All donations over $2.00 are tax deductible and if we can raise the money we need we will have 50 per cent more space at the hostel for residents,” said committee member Cynthia McMorran OAM.

Residents and donate to this worthwhile community project directly to any of the committee members – Graham Joyce, Janice McLean or Cynthia McMorran.