THE redevelopment of Buckland House Nursing Home and Bindaree Retirement Centre into a single contemporary facility is closer to realisation with extensive earth work and site clearing conducted at the Highett Street location.

“With a builder appointed and designs for this state-of-the-art facility now revealed, communities across Victoria’s High Country can look forward to seeing shovels in the ground on this project in coming months,” said Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes.

A new 30-bed facility is set to replace the ageing Buckland House Aged Care facility and will be located next to the existing 42-bed Bindaree Retirement Centre which will also be refurbished to deliver a modern and spacious facility for residents.

Designs for the new facility showcase 30 modern single rooms and private ensuite bathrooms, a dedicated kitchen, dining, lounge and break-out sitting areas for residents to stay connected with each other as well as loved ones.

“We’re ensuring residents in Mansfield and surrounds receive state-of-the-art care in a home-like environment – with private bedrooms, bathrooms and an abundance of access to green spaces,” said Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt.

To make the most of the surrounding natural environment, the designs also ensure residents have open area views and an abundance of natural light, acknowledging the positive impact of green spaces and fresh air for residents’ physical and mental wellbeing, as well as increasing social interaction.

The new facility will also provide a dementia friendly environment that is better suited to supporting the mental health and complex care needs of older Victorians.

The dementia friendly design focus means residents can ‘age in place’ which is particularly important in regional areas like Mansfield – giving residents the opportunity to remain close to their support networks and maintain family and community connections as their care needs increase.

Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority in partnership with the Mansfield District Hospital, the new facility is expected to be completed in late 2027 with commercial construction company A W Nicholson appointed to build the $62.8 million facility.

In a boost to the local economy, the project is also expected to create and sustain more than 180 construction industry jobs, in addition to job opportunities generated by the new facility once operational.

The project forms part of the $108.2 million Rural and Regional PSRAC Revitalisation Stage 1 to expand and refurbish public sector residential aged care facilities in Mansfield and also in Orbost.