Madonna is welcomed

The history and success of Broome’s Germanus Kent aged care facility was celebrated last week during an official blessing ceremony.

A special mass service was held in the on-site chapel by Father Matt Digges of the Broome Catholic Diocese to welcome the arrival of the Broome Madonna.

The sculpture is dedicated to the women of Broome whose loved ones risked their lives in the pearling industry.

Fr Digges blessed the sculpture and said it gave a sense of homeliness for residents, depicting a mother’s care, love, patience and kindness.

The statue was carved by Broome artist Glenn Tormey, and donated by Southern Cross Care board member Frank Prendergast, a champion of the facility who was instrumental in bringing the service to Broome.

Mr Prendergast and his wife Julienne arrived especially for the celebration and reflected on the facility’s history to a room full of Germanus Kent residents and guests.

The original hostel was opened by Sister Germanus Kent in August 1991 and consisted of 10 low-care beds before later expanding. Southern Cross Care assumed management of Broome Aged and Disabled Services in 2001 and recognised the need to establish a new purpose-built aged care facility at Broome.

Mr Prendergast said the decision to push forward with the project was a result of encouragement from Broome local Anne Bloeman, who also attended the service with her husband, retired Broome magistrate Antoine Bloeman.

The new-look 55-bed facility was completed in 2008, providing fully-integrated aged care services and specialist accommodation.