The Not For Profit organisation, which operates retirement living, social housing and residential care in South Australia, has bought Woodlands Grove and Hallmont Estate Mount Gambier, in the second most populous city in the state, which lies 450km from Adelaide.

RSL Care SA, based in Adelaide, will not change the day-to-day operations of the 400 houses and associated facilities purchased. Woodlands Grove (241 homes and 36 serviced apartments) and Hallmont Estate Mount Gambier (175 homes) were developed over the past 30 years by prominent Mount Gambier builder Vince Versace. 

RSL Care SA has its origins in the War Veterans Home which was established in the Myrtle Bank homestead in suburban Adelaide in 1917. 

In a statement, RSL Care SA Chief Executive Nathan Klinge said the transfer of ownership would take place on 31 July. 

“We have written to the residents of both villages advising them of the acquisition,” Nathan said. “We will not be making any public comment until after we have had the opportunity to meet with the residents and introduce ourselves. Those meetings will take place on 30 July."