Asignificant bequest from late Mount Burr resident Andrew Zander has funded a major makeover of the common room at the Sheoak Lodge aged care facility at Millicent Hospital.

Mr Zander was a Sheoak Lodge resident before his death at the age of 73 in 2017.

The upgraded common room has been renamed the Zander Function Centre in his honour.

The name was collectively chosen by the Sheoak Lodge residents, families, staff and the Millicent Health Advisory Council via a voting system.

The Zander Function Centre is a space which is designed to be used by families to come together and celebrate special occasions and gatherings.

The dining room features a hand-built table made from Mount Burr cypress pine.

This is particularly special as Mr Zander was well known in the Mount Burr community and supported the Mount Burr United Football Club for decades in his role as the scoreboard operator.

He was made a life member of the Mozzies and his ashes were scattered around the scoreboard in the opening game of the 2018 season.

It is said that Mr Zander’s three favourite things in life were footy, food and music, so this space is regarded as fitting tribute to him and his memory.

As part of the common room refurbishment, a new kitchen was installed with an accessible layout that supports wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.

The kitchen has been fitted out with all the necessary utensils and appliances for the residents and families to create a home cook meal to share or hold a special function.

New flooring and lighting have been installed, the blinds have been replaced and new dining tables and chairs were purchased.

The chairs will double as seating for movie nights and other events such as watching the AFL grand final together.

The updated technology in the Zander Function Centre including a new state of the art TV and surround sound system.

Meanwhile, Sheoak Lodge is about to take delivery of a 12-seater van for its residents.

The van will arrive in mid-2022.

It will be fitted with a specialised package to enable residents to attend outings and will also be accessible to accommodate wheelchair users.

This transport service is expected to not only increase the residents’ mobility but also have a positive impact on their social interaction and mental wellbeing.

In other news, the two Admella Wing decks at Sheoak Lodge have undergone a complete makeover to provide an accessible outdoor area for residents to enjoy more outdoor activities.

Residents have the option to take in the views of the beautiful gardens on the enclosed all-weather area of one of the decks, complete with patio blinds, heating and cooling and new furniture.

Alternatively, they can choose to spend time under the shade of a large umbrella and enjoy a barbecue using the new outdoor dining tables and chairs in the open deck area.

In addition to the outdoor area, the ensuite bathrooms in Matheson Wing have also been upgraded and a new bedroom suite has been purchased.

The bed, locker, overway and pressure reducing mattress were funded by a generous donation from the Seven Day Adventist Church Group in Millicent.