Jessie House looks like it might be making a move after public comment sought by Shire of Narrogin

Shire of Narrogin council is seeking public comment on their proposal to move Jessie House from Clayton Road near the Narrogin Regional Leisure Centre to a vacant site near Hale Street’s Gnarojin Community Garden.

Jessie House has long provided respite and care for residents struggling with social isolation and memory loss, but Shire chief executive Dale Stewart said its facility must be expanded to accommodate changing demand.

“The current Jessie House, as it currently stands, has been there for a good 20-odd years and has outgrown both the site and its building,” Mr Stewart said. “It’s only been in the past six months that the Shire has been able to provide respite overnight care for up to two individuals and demand for that service is already exceeding expectations. To retain services at the current site would mean that we would have to take more carpark; already the carpark is full.”

Mr Stewart said the move would allow for the expansion of Jessie House’s respite and day-care services, but the proposed site featured a raft of other benefits for residents as well.

“The clients can benefit from walking amongst the reflective nature of the gardens and participate in activities like growing fruit and vegetables and feeding the chooks,” he said.

“And the site is a lot quieter in terms of traffic noise because Clayton Road is a primary distributive road, which includes heavy vehicles.”

He said Narrogin’s Leisure Centre could benefit from new service opportunities, should the proposed move go ahead.

“It allows us to look at things like a 24-hour gym and allows for the future expansion of the Upper Great Southern hockey facilities that don’t have change rooms for example,” he said.

“We’d love to hear back from the community about our thoughts and if we’re on the right track.”