South West Rocks’ only aged care home has been given a new lease on life with a new name and a renewed mission
to help local residents understand their neighbourhood care options.

Japara South West Rocks has now officially become The Mariner as part of an effort to raise its profile and make it
easier for local people to access care and support.

Traditional owner representative Aunty Cheryl Blair, from the South West Rocks Figtree Descendants Aboriginal
Corporation, and the Member for Cowper, Mr Pat Conaghan MP, helped officiate at a launch event on Thursday 22
April. The event was held to coincide with NSW Seniors’ Week.

Mr Conaghan said the Federal Government was committed to seeing all seniors receive the “dignity and comfort that
they deserve”. He congratulated Japara and The Mariner’s staff for creating “a home, not an aged care facility”.

“But a home is not just a building, it is about the people who are in it. I would like to acknowledge the great work that
the staff do. The relationships that you build with the residents here are part of making The Mariner a home,” he said.

The manager of The Mariner, Mr Nick Bannon, said that more than one in three people in South West Rocks was aged 65 years or older, making aged care a critical local issue.

“Government research shows that half of all local residents say they find it hard to access aged care services,” Mr
Bannon said.

“We are on a mission to change that by working hard to build community connections and awareness of how we can
support seniors in the region.”

Mr Bannon said the home’s new name reflected pride in providing quality care and employment for so many people.

“It also reflects what’s special about South West Rocks,” Mr Bannon said.

“One thing that unites everyone in the community is the love of our coastal environment and an appreciation of our
rich maritime heritage.

“When we consulted our residents and staff, we found that they strongly identified with this area’s seafaring culture,
through connections to the commercial fishing industry or with their passion for fishing, boating and swimming.

“We also know that the sea and waters of this area have sustained its people long before the arrival of Europeans.
Shell middens, fish traps and initiation sites throughout our region show us how the waterways and sea provided food as well as spiritual and cultural nourishment for the traditional owners, the Dunghutti people.”

Mr Bannon said the home had played a central role in the life of the community in South West Rocks for more than a
decade, before being purchased and refurbished by leading aged care company Japara Healthcare Ltd in 2018.

With ensuite rooms for singles and couples, permanent and respite care options, and a memory support unit offering
tailored dementia care, The Mariner catered for a wide variety of needs, Mr Bannon said.

“A new name and strengthened relationships with the local community will see The Mariner continue to be at the
heart of South West Rocks for decades to come.”

Mr Bannon encouraged interested members of the community to call or go online to book a tour to see the home
first-hand. In addition, the home was continuing to partner with local organisations to create more opportunities for
“connections across the generations”, he said.