Construction is now complete on Victoria’s largest new public aged care facility in Melbourne’s south east, the State Government has announced.
Minister for Ageing, Ingrid Stitt, today confirmed the completion of the $139.6 million Boollam Boollam Aged Care Centre build at Monash Health’s Kingston Centre in Heatherton, with residents set to move in next month.
“Victoria is home to Australia’s largest public aged care sector, and with Boollam Boollam Aged Care Centre we’re delivering even more modern, high-quality homes that meet the needs of older Victorians close to home,” said Minister Stitt.
The new multi-storey facility features 150 modern single rooms with private ensuite bathrooms for residents with a range of complex care needs, while providing the warmth and familiarity of home.
Designed to promote independence and mobility, residents will also have easy access to a range of integrated healthcare support, including dementia and memory services, clinics for falls and balance and age-appropriate mental health services.
To create a safe and comfortable living environment, the facility has been structured around small household-style groupings, each with its own kitchen and dining area – it also offers access to shared spaces including a community room, sacred space and other inviting common areas.
The design also makes the most of the surrounding natural environment with open views, plenty of natural light, and access to terraces and landscaped gardens – giving residents the opportunity to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
The centre also features advanced ventilation and air-conditioning systems capable of switching to ‘pandemic mode’ to manage airborne infection risks, ensuring safety for residents and staff alike.
“This state-of-the-art facility has been purpose-built to support independence, connection and comfort – giving residents access to high-quality aged care right in the heart of their community,” said Minister for Health Infrastructure, Melissa Horne.
The Kingston Centre Residential Aged Care Facility has been renamed Boollam Boollam Aged Care Centre – meaning ‘butterflies’ in the Kulin Nation language, symbolising transformation and the journey of life, fitting for a place supporting older Victorians to age with dignity.
The project created and sustained 247 construction jobs and will continue to create employment opportunities now that the centre is operational.
