"Braidwood MPS provides a critical aged care service to the local community. It is currently home for ten elderly residents, eight of whom have developed some form of dementia. This $250,000 funding will supplement locally raised funds to ensure that these residents receive the best possible care," Mr Gazard said.

The proposed dementia friendly upgrade will include: Extension of the day room Addition of an outdoor partially covered deck and compliant ramp; A one way glass sliding door and wall beside the nurse station; appropriate fence around the garden; alarm system; and appropriate furnishing.

"The number of elderly in our community with dementia is growing and will continue to grow with our ageing population. This dementia friendly upgrade of the Aged Care Unit at Braidwood will help meet this growing need," Mr Gazard said.

"I congratulate the members of the Braidwood MPS Advisory Committee and the members of the Doug Smith Appeal Committee who, in partnership with the local community, have prepared detailed plans and raised over $190,000 for this important project."

"I also wish to congratulate the staff of the Braidwood MPS for the wonderful care they provide to both residents and patients. It is a first class health service of which the community can be very proud," Mr Gazard concluded.

The committee of the Doug Smith Appeal has also been delighted at the huge community response in support of the project. The committee had made submissions requesting commitment of government funding to all three main Eden Monaro Candidates in recent weeks.