This week in NSW, six different aged care facilities have had their excellence rewarded at an awards ceremony for innovative health strategies that improve ageing quality of life.

Named the Positive Living in Aged Care Awards (PLAC), they were established to reward businesses and associations that provide positive care for the ageing mental health sector.

The NSW State Minister for Health (Mental Health) Barbara Perry, awarded the facilities the honours at a ceremony in Sydney’s Luna Park.

Mrs Perry paid tribute to the elderly care facilities, before pledging the Government will do more to fund the noteworthy aims of the PLAC.

“These awards are about acknowledging those organisations that not have not only recognised that we must meet that need, but have also worked to ensure that the quality of care continues to improve,” She said.

“The awards have clearly identified a range of quality initiatives in both rural and metropolitan areas.”

The Minister has pledged $100,000 for the PLAC awards for 2010.