And a further $2 million development of the Kurow rest home was celebrated last Thursday as an extension and improvements were formally opened, with about 80 people present.
Two bedrooms were added, bringing the home’s capacity to 17 residents. The kitchen and hallways were also renovated.
Whalan Lodge Trust chairwoman Ethel Gray said the future of the lodge was looking "very rosy".
She was really pleased with the progress, especially after it almost had to close nearly a decade ago.
"We’ve always tried to think it’s going in the right direction but we’ve had out battles, let me tell you."
The extension cost of more than $2m was funded by grants, donations and a bit of fundraising, Mrs Gray said.
Mrs Gray stepped into the shoes of Barney McCone as head of the trust in September — bringing a long connection to the lodge which she had managed for five years before joining the trust.
Mr McCone played a key role in making the lodge much more viable, Mrs Gray said.
Waitaki District Mayor Gary Kircher officiated last Thursday, with the residents and family members getting a tour
The lodge already had a couple ready to move in and hoped to attract more permanent residents soon, Mrs Gray said.
