Aged care residence marks 50 years 

Thursday, 15 March

Uniting AgeWell’s Strathdon Community will celebrate 50 years of delivering high-quality care to seniors with a parade of fashion from the past half century this Friday. 

The aged care residence will host an official celebration and indoor garden party to mark the occasion.  

“Over the past 50 years, Strathdon has supported thousands of families in the local area through its residential facility, independent living units, social support, allied health and therapy services, and home care” said Vicky Jacques, Uniting AgeWell General Manager Victoria.

“This celebration is a great opportunity for us to thank the community, particularly our donors and volunteers, for their ongoing support.  It’s also a great opportunity for us to celebrate the many people who make Strathdon Community such a vibrant and special place.”

The facility opened in March 1968 as a 30-bed hostel, with 60 independent living units.  Then called the Strathdon Elderly Persons’ Settlement, it was built on land donated by well-known local figure Mary Matheson, who owned a large estate and orchard with her late-husband, Charles Davy Matheson.

Lifestyle Assistant Jennifer Best remembers hanging curtains in the 1970s with her father, William, who was the first CEO of the facility.  Many years later, she joined the workforce at Strathdon Community and has remained an employee for 27 years.

“I started off in the gardens, and over time I moved to the kitchens and cleaning and ended up in lifestyle, so there are great opportunities to move around and achieve things,” she said.

The Strathdon Community has experienced tremendous growth over the years, with support from local donors and Uniting Church congregations.

The site now includes a 167-bed residential facility, 200 independent living units, social support and respite programs, and a state-of-the-art HUR Gym, which is open to the public.  

t also coordinates care for people in their homes across eastern Melbourne.

“I really enjoy the people at Strathdon, and working alongside the residents and families,” Jennifer said.

“Fulfilling their needs and seeing their face light up really makes my day.”

The 50th birthday celebration is at Uniting AgeWell Strathdon Community, 17 Jolimont Road, Forest Hill, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm on Friday, 16 March.  One of the longest-residing residents will cut the cake alongside one of the longest-serving staff members.