Older Victorians in Mansfield and surrounding communities are a step closer to having a brand new, state-of-the-art public aged care home – with the Allan Labor Government’s $62.8 million redevelopment reaching structural completion.
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes today visited the site to celebrate the major construction milestone – with work now underway on the building’s exterior and internal fit-out.
Once complete, the modern 30-bed facility will replace the ageing Buckland House and sit alongside the existing 42-bed Bindaree Retirement Centre, which will also be refurbished as part of the project.
Each private bedroom will feature its own ensuite, with residents living in smaller ‘household’ style wings – each with their own kitchen, dining and lounge areas to support independence, comfort and dignity.
The facility will also include a community room, reflection room, café and landscaped areas – providing welcoming spaces for residents to connect with family, friends and each other.
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.
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.
More than 520 workers – including local contractors – have already contributed to the build, which is being delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority in partnership with Mansfield District Hospital and AW Nicholson and is expected to be completed in late 2027.
Once the new facility is complete in 2027, the existing Buckland House will also be refurbished to provide community activity rooms and office spaces.
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.
Quote attributable to Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt
“We’re building modern, welcoming aged care homes right across Victoria – and this milestone in Mansfield is an important step forward in delivering better care for older people in the High Country.”
Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“This isn’t just a facility – it will be a home that has been designed to give older residents the dignity, independence and connection they deserve, close to the people and places they love.”
