Cooktown’s residential aged care service is set to undergo a $4.6 million upgrade to improve services for elderly residents closer to home.
Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service has secured Australian Government funds to support a project to improve facilities at Sunbird Cottage, which is located at the Cooktown Multipurpose Health Service.
This project is supported by the Australian Government through the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing under the Aged Care Capital Assistance Program, contributing $2.3 million to the project with TCHHS matching that funding.
The investment will strengthen local aged care infrastructure and support care delivery in Cooktown for older residents.
TCHHS Health Service Chief Executive Rex O’Rourke said the funding recognised both the strength of the Sunbird Cottage project and the importance of investing in aged care in remote communities.
“By investing in our local facilities and workforce, we’re helping ensure older Cooktown residents can continue to receive high‑quality care in a familiar and supportive environment, close to family, culture and community,” he said.
The funding will support a significant program of construction and refurbishment works at the 11-bed facility, including accessibility and amenity upgrades, safety and security improvements, furniture and equipment, landscaping and fencing.
These upgrades will improve comfort, safety and functionality for residents, visitors and staff.
The project builds on recent improvements already delivered at Sunbird Cottage.
In late June 2025, upgraded dining and living spaces were officially opened, creating more welcoming and comfortable shared areas for residents and their families.
The new funding supports further improvements to the environment in which aged care is provided.
“This investment is ultimately about people,” Mr O’Rourke said.
“It strengthens local aged care, supports our workforce, and helps ensure Cooktown remains a community where people can live and age with dignity.”
The Queensland Government is investing $200 million to redevelop the Cooktown Multipurpose Health Service, improving access to care for Cooktown and surrounding communities. Project completion is scheduled for the 2029/30 financial year.