June 2002

Nursing home site selected

Australia’s first nursing home built specifically for low-income frail older people will be located in Avondale Heights.

The new $7 million nursing home will be built on a portion of land at the rear of the Kangan TAFE campus in Military Road.

The 60-bed facility will be operated by Wintringham, a specialist aged care agency.

The Victorian Government is contributing $3.4 million to the development with the Commonwealth providing $1.7 million and Wintringham providing the balance.

‘This landmark facility is the first of its type in Australia and will provide a comfortable and secure living environment for low income older men and women in the City of Moonee Valley and surrounding suburbs,’ said Housing Minister Bronwyn Pike.

‘It will give them the care and support they need to live with dignity in their later years.’

A planning application for the nursing home would be made to the City of Moonee Valley later in the year.

As part of the planning process, Wintringham will work with the Council and the Office of Housing to consult with the local community about the nursing home development.

Ms Pike said the new facility demonstrated the benefits of Government and agencies working together to provide quality affordable accommodation and greater support to low-income older people who need high quality, nursing home care.