Ozcare turns first sod on $12.2M specialist dementia care unit
- New dementia unit: Ozcare has begun construction
- Local access: Residents will be able to receive care close to home
- Workforce investment: The project follows completion of eight staff units
- Growth strategy: Construction is due for completion in March 2027
Fresh from completing one project in Queensland’s Mackay region, the Not For Profit has broken ground on another.
The Queensland aged care operator, part of St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland, has officially begun construction on a $12.2 million, 20-bed specialist dementia care unit at its Ozcare Sarina aged care home, about 775km north west of Brisbane. The project also includes refurbishment of a central administration building.
Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson attended a sod-turning event on Monday (27 July) to mark the occasion, along with representative of builder Woollam Constructions and past and present Sarina Aged Care leaders, staff and community members.
First specialist dementia care
Ozcare Chief Executive Officer Kevin Mercer said for many people living in Sarina, it hasn't always been possible to access specialist dementia care.
“Until now, Sarina has not had a dedicated dementia care facility, meaning many local residents have been forced to leave their community to access higher levels of care,” he said.
“Too often, families have faced the difficult decision of moving a parent or grandparent to Mackay or even further away simply because those services weren’t available locally.
“This development changes that. It means more people can receive the specialist care they need while remaining close to the people, places and community that are such an important part of their lives.”
Mayor Williamson said the Council supported the project through a Facilitating Development Policy because it will deliver lasting value to the community.
Home acquired in 2023
Ozcare acquired the Sarina aged care home and Sarina Place Retirement Village in July 2023. Together they provide a 48-bed residential aged care home and 13 independent living units.
Ozcare also marked completion of eight new staff accommodation units at Ozcare Sarina in June, aimed at attracting and supporting skilled workers to the region.
Woollam said around 95% of trades will be delivered by local operators.
Completion next year
Construction of the Special Care Unit and refurbishment of the administration building is set to be completed in March 2027.
Ozcare operates 21 aged care facilities around the state.
In January, the Federal Government named Ozcare as builder and operator the $60 million, 150-bed Darwin aged care facility, citing its strong track record building large facilities.
