Pictured L to R: Victorian Health Building Authority Project Director Phil Smith, South West Healthcare Board of Directors Chairperson Bernadette Northeast, Victorian Minister for Aged Care Ingrid Stitt and Nicholson Construction Director Paul Toye turn the first sod at the Camperdown Aged Care facility construction site.
Victorian Aged Care Minister, Ingrid Stitt joined South West Healthcare’s Board Chairperson Bernadette Northeast, and Chief Executive Officer Craig Fraser at the sod turning event to officially commence the construction of the $39.6M aged care facility, located on Robinson Street, Camperdown.
The project is part of the Rural and Regional Sector Residential Aged Care Services Revitalisation Strategy. The strategy aims to progressively replace dated public sector facilities with purpose-built facilities. These facilities will better meet community expectations and enable contemporary models of aged care.
Based around a ‘small household’ concept, the facility has been designed to provide residents with a modern, safe, and comfortable place to call home as well as a safe and efficient workplace for South West Healthcare staff. The facility is designed to support resident health and wellbeing with the design extended to outdoor activity spaces to promote resident physical and mental wellbeing, as well as encourage social interaction.
The project expected for completion in mid to late 2025 will see the delivery of 36 residential rooms with private ensuites, dedicated resident kitchen and dining, lounge, and various break out spaces plus sitting areas to maximise the views across the district’s well-known lakes and craters. Additional key elements of the design include a variety of outdoor areas and various gardens including a fresh produce garden, visitor accessible BBQ area, terrace and café plus a dedicated resident hair and beauty salon.
MP Ingrid Stitt spoke of the importance of “delivering a state-of-the-art facility to allow for our seniors to enjoy their later years in their own communities, and make sure they can age in a facility that is fit for purpose where their families and friends can stay connected to them”.
South West Healthcare Chair Bernadette Northeast acknowledges the State Government’s $36.9M investment into aged care and explained “The staff have advocated for this purpose-built facility for a long time. The care they deliver is already the best and this will now be reflected in the facilities that our residents are living in”.
“I’m thrilled for the existing staff and residents now and in the future that they will have a facility they deserve”.
Dr Northeast also noted the carefully considered design features of the Camperdown Aged Care facility development which reflect iconic local buildings and natural landmarks.
“The beautiful iconic landscapes, lakes and craters and the clock tower that have been considered throughout various aspects of the design is so important to our residents as this is a way to connect to memories, connect to country and connect to a place that they live and love.” she said.
For more information on South West Healthcare’s redevelopment projects, please visit redevelopment projects.
Pictured back row L to R: Victorian Minister for Aged Care, Ingrid Stitt joined by South West Healthcare’s Bernadette Northeast and Leanne Lucus. L to R front row: Merindah Lodge residents Jean, Peter, Amelia and Norah.