AUSTRALIA: New retirement village the way of the future

The launch of a new, privately-developed retirement village in Netley, South Australia, highlighted the evolving nature of Australia’s aged care system, the Federal Minister for Ageing, Julie Bishop, said today.

Unveiling a commemorative plaque at the site of the Netley Grove Retirement Village, Ms Bishop said the development demonstrated older Australians’ desire for greater choice in their retirement years.

“Australia’s ageing population will create many opportunities for our nation and for older Australians, who will have a greater voice in the future design of products, services and markets, including accommodation, that best meets their needs in their retirement.

“Older Australians will generally enjoy better health and remain active and more involved in their community than previous generations,” Ms Bishop said.

“In short, they will want to stay independent for as long as possible. The Australian Government helps older Australians to remain independent by providing aged care support at home, through services such as Meals on Wheels and community nursing.

“We recently began a new innovative pilot program to trial providing aged care services, through Community Aged Care Packages, to people in the familiar surroundings of their retirement village.

“In South Australia, the Australian Government funds almost 18,000 residential and community aged care places to ensure older South Australians receive the care they need when and where they need it.

“A combination of government-funded services and privately developed ventures, such as this one in Netley, are providing older Australians with the choice in accommodation and services that they will increasingly demand.”

Netley Grove Retirement Village, a development of 58 two and three bedroom residential units built by the Karidis Corporation, will provide a community atmosphere with a lounge, library, billiards area, a pool and spa and meeting areas for communal activities.

Media contact: Rachael Thompson 0417 265 289