A Veterans and Community Respite Facility will be opened at Sussex Inlet on December 1.
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The facility at the Inasmuch Community complex is aimed at providing respite care for veterans, first responders and the community.
The centre, to be housed in the refurbished Russ Murray Lodge, will feature 11 single rooms and four double rooms as well as service hub.
The service hub will include medical, computer, activities and podiatrist rooms.
A rehabilitation area and gym will also be included along with an area for a hairdresser, a small cafe and place where up to 10 people can undertake single day visitor stays.
Keith Payne VC Veterans Benefit Group and the Sussex Inlet RSL Sub-Branch have been supporting and assisting Inasmuch Community in its planning for the new Veterans and Community Respite Facility to maximise the amenity for veterans, and the community.
It is envisaged the facility will work closely with the recently announced $5 million RSL LifeCare Veterans Wellbeing Centre to be built in Nowra, which will act as one referral point.
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A respite facility has long been the focus of one of Australia's most highly decorated living soldiers, Vietnam Veteran, Keith Payne VC.
Mr Payne, who was in Nowra on Remembrance Day on Wednesday to attend the rededication of two World War I diggers' graves at the Nowra General Cemetery, also trekked south to Sussex Inlet to inspect the new facility.
His visit certainly made Remembrance Day one to remember for the staff of Inasmuch.
"I think it's [the centre] great," said Mr Payne, who toured the facility with his wife Flo and daughter-in-law Heidi.
While at the Sussex centre Mr Payne met with Inasmuch board members, spoke about the project and inspected progress of the facility.
"I think it is ideally suited for the purpose...somewhere for veterans and our first responders," he said.
"I've been passionate about these types of services for many years. It is so important that our veterans and first responders are catered for."
Each private room comes with a small kitchenette area and its own ensuite, all of which are wheelchair accessible. The rooms also have televisions, internet connections and their own private balconies.
"These types of centres are long overdue - these are the sorts of things the RSL should have had in vogue in the 1930s after the Great War," Mr Payne said.
"When all the old blokes came back from the First World War, or the Big War as we call it, the big problem was they had post traumatic stress. Yet they were locked away in asylums.
"On their passing they were just put in the ground. They can't and shouldn't be forgotten.
"And that's why it is great to see the young veterans undertake work and have services like today [rededication of graves].
"They [veterans] laid down their lives for the country and I think the country should respect their place of rest."
Mr Payne said he is working to establish a similar facility in Queensland and said the ideas he has garnished from the Sussex Inlet facility would be invaluable.
Instead of numbers, each room will be named after Australian Victoria Cross, George Cross or Cross of Valour recipient.
"It's a good idea but honestly I don't care what they call them as long as there are rooms and something to cater for those who need it," Mr Payne said.
It is envisaged each room will be named after one of the medal recipients and will have a photo, replica medal and biography of their actions.
"The occupant can read something there and realise who they are representing or I'm here because of ... they are not just a number," he said.
The newly refurbished residential respite care facility is located on the top two floors of the Russ Murray Lodge, looking out over the calm waters of Sussex Inlet, while the service hub will be on the ground floor.
"The new Veteran and Community Respite Facility provides the opportunity for veterans as an integral part of the Inasmuch Community to relax, take a break from everyday life and enjoy all Sussex Inlet has to offer," said Inasmuch board chair Brenton Whitwell.
"The wellbeing of our older veterans is an important part of our community respect and thanks for the service and sacrifice made by our Australian service men and women," said Shoalhaven City Councillor and Inasmuch board member Patricia White.
The centre will offer modern, fully serviced private accommodation and quality meals, with care and nursing staff available 24/7.
It is envisaged the new community facility will also provide a number of extra jobs in the Sussex Inlet area.
An official opening of the new centre is expected to be held in the new year.