Regional provider advances $27M aged care masterplan
- Expansion planned: Barunga Village proposes a new 48-bed aged care home
- $27m project: Richmond House would lift capacity to 133 beds
- Funding dependent: Development awaits government grant support
- Workforce boost: Staff housing project is now under construction
A community-owned and operated regional retirement, community and residential care provider is planning an expansion.
Barunga Village has lodged a planning application for the 48-bed Richmond House, an extension of the operator’s existing aged care home, Barunga Homes, in Port Broughton, 170km northwest of Adelaide on the Yorke Peninsula.
The project would expand Barunga Home’s total capacity from the current 87 to 133 beds, and would cost an estimated $27 million.
The plan consists of two 12-bed dementia households on the ground floor and two 12-bed general residential aged care households on the upper floor, and is based on Barunga Village’s commitment to the Butterfly Approach to dementia care.
The project is currently progressing through planning and design refinement.
Contingent on Govt grant
However, the Richmond House extension project is contingent on Barunga Village securing Government grant funding for the project.
“Our current focus is on progressing planning approvals, detailed design and feasibility work so that the project is ‘shovel ready’ and well placed to compete for future funding opportunities,” Barunga Village CEO Elizabeth Carroll told The Weekly SOURCE.
“We have not yet secured grant funding for this project, but we remain optimistic given the demonstrated demand for additional residential aged care services across our region.”
Barunga Village has recently completed a detailed feasibility and demand analysis, confirming strong future demand for additional residential aged care accommodation in the region.
Staff accommodation moves ahead
Concurrently, Barunga Village is moving ahead with its Welcome Home staff accommodation project on Bay Street in Port Broughton, with the assistance of a $1.659 million Aged Care Capital Assistance Project grant, awarded last year.
The operator has received planning approval for the project and Pascale Construction has been appointed builder. Construction is getting underway with completion set for 2027.
The development consists of three purpose-built duplexes, providing six one-bedroom units for new Barunga Village employees relocating to the region. The project is aimed at helping Barunga Villages attract and retain skilled workers.
“We are grateful for the support provided through the Australian Government’s Aged Care Capital Assistance Program, which has helped make this project possible,” Elizabeth said.
Elizabeth said Barunga Village is “continuing to carefully plan and assess each of these developments to ensure they are financially sustainable and respond to the long-term needs of our community.”
Barunga Village acquired a stand-alone 34-bed aged care home, The Willochra Home, 200km north of Adelaide, in June 2025.
