The Allan Labor Government is ensuring older Victorians get the high-quality care and comfort they deserve, with construction now complete on the state's largest new public aged care facility in Melbourne's south east.
Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt today announced the completion of the $139.6 million Boollam Boollam Aged Care Centre at Monash Health's Kingston Centre in Heatherton, with residents set to move in next month.
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.
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.
The Labor Government is investing $34.6 million in the Victorian Budget 2025/26 to deliver high-quality aged care for more Victorians across the state, along with a further $7.5 million to continue upgrading facilities across Australia's largest public aged care network.
As stated by Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt
"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."
As stated by Minister for Health Infrastructure Melissa Horne
"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."
As stated by Member for Clarinda Meng Heang Tak
"This is an exciting milestone for local community and the wider south east - Boollam Boollam will provide a safe and modern home for older locals, close to family, community and care."
As stated by Member for Bentleigh Nick Staikos
"We're proud to deliver this new aged care facility that meets the needs of older Victorians in our community, now and into the future - in a setting that promotes independence and mobility."
