Commitment to the future

Stunning new developments at two Uniting AgeWell residential aged care sites in Tasmania, representing a $53.4 million investment, were officially opened this week.

The state-of-the-art residential care wings at Uniting AgeWell Rosetta Community, Strathaven and Uniting AgeWell Mornington Community, Lillian Martin mark a new era in aged care. They also reflect the organisation’s commitment to the growth of aged care services in Tasmania and the needs of local communities.

The two residential communities have been serving the people of Greater Hobart for more than half a century – Strathaven since 1957 and Lillian Martin since 1960.

The much-anticipated opening of the Waterfront Wing at Rosetta Community, Strathaven on the banks of the Derwent River on 5 February and the Fuchsia and Sassafras Wing at Mornington Community Lillian Martin on 6 February, continues the legacy of care, respect and community connection at the heart of both homes.

Attending events over the two days was the Moderator of the Uniting Church in Australia Synod of Victoria and Tasmania Reverend David Fotheringham, as well as Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier and Liberal Member for Clark Simon Behrakis MP, Labor Member for Clark Josh Willie MP, City of Clarence Mayor Cr Brendon Blomeley, along with Uniting AgeWell Board Directors.

The Welcome to Country delivered at both events by representatives from the Uniting Aboriginal & Islander Christian Congress, Leprena Tasmania, Alison Overeem and Ayla Williams were significant and honoured land, connection, belonging and partnership.

A stirringly beautiful performance by the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO) heralded the opening of the Strathaven wing, in recognition of the long-standing partnership between the TSO and Uniting AgeWell, ensuring music continues to be a part of residents’ lives.

Residents Len Monks and Marie Meehan did the honours and cut the ribbon at Strathaven, with the Lillian Martin honour falling to Yvonne Rees, the first resident to move into the new Fuchsia and Sassafras Wing.

Uniting AgeWell CEO Andrew Kinnersly says at a time when other aged care providers put a ‘freeze’ on capital projects, Uniting AgeWell has invested $73 million into projects across Tasmania. This includes a new wing currently under construction at Sorell Community, Ningana and a specialist AgeWell Gym opening in the new Uniting AgeWell Community Hub in Rosny Park in April.

“We are seeing a rapidly ageing population across the board and what we expect to see in the next ten to fifteen years is a really significant increase in the demand for both home care and residential services,” Andrew says, adding that “while aged care service providers have been under-investing in capital projects in recent years, Uniting AgeWell has bucked the trend and made the decision to continue to invest in creating thriving local communities where high quality aged care services are delivered with respect and kindness.”