Over 300 community members attended the official opening of the Myall Lodge extensions and the handover of the lodge to RSL LifeCare last weekend.

Patron of the Myall Lodge rear admiral Peter Sinclair officially opened the extensions.

He spoke of his involvement in the lodge since he first opened the original building in 1992.

Admiral Sinclair praised the efforts of the local RSL Sub Branch in its foresight for being able to provide significant funding to get the Myall Lodge project going and highlighted its commitment through its continuing support.

Senior staff from RSL LifeCare, State president and members of the RSL NSW branch, Federal member for Paterson Bob Baldwin, State member for Port Stephens Craig Baumann, Nationals Member for the Myall Lakes John Turner and Great Lakes councillors Len Roberts and Carol McCaskie joined community members at the opening.

The new extensions mean the lodge is one step closer to being able to offer three levels of care to citizens living on the Myall Coast.

Registered nurses are being sought after so hostel, nursing home and home care facilities can be made available to the residents.

Speeches were made detailing the community involvement with the lodge over the past 15 years and the plans for the future of the lodge under the RSL LifeCare group.

Outgoing chairman of the lodge Peter McKay highlighted the trials and tribulations over the years and thanked those who were involved in the early days of the lodge through to current times.

“RSL LifeCare, over the past few years, has willingly offered advice and guidance to the lodge.

“Without their recent direct involvement the lodge would not have been able to present the wonderful extensions to the community as they are today,” Mr McKay said.

Chairman of RSL LifeCare Rod White gave the community an overview of the vision to make each of their villages a place for both residents and staff and their idea to provide a full range of care to senior citizens.

Vice president of the RSL Sub Branch Barry Whiteman thanked the Tea Gardens Primary School for their music and the community of volunteers who help the lodge.

“Thank you to the staff and the many volunteers within the community who through fundraising, friendship, morning teas and lodge visits make the lodge the success it is today,” Mr Whiteman said.

A number of enquiries were made of the day about entry, respite care and associated costs.

The extensions mean the lodge has increased the number of beds from 10 to 24 and positive comments were made regarding layout, decor and amenities in both common and residents rooms.