Aged care project secures approval in just two months
Approval granted for new Elders village
- Planning approval: New 42-bed Elders village approved in Cairns
- Federal funding: Project backed by a $27.5 million grant
- Cultural focus: Designed specifically for First Nations Elders
- Next step: Construction expected to begin later this year
A new 42-bed aged care home for First Nations Elders in Cairns has secured planning approval just two months after the Development Application was lodged.
Cairns Regional Council has approved plans for the new Pinangba Hollingsworth Elders Village in Westcourt, allowing UnitingCare Queensland to progress detailed design work ahead of a planned construction start later this year.
The project is backed by a $27.5 million Federal Government grant through the Aged Care Capital Assistance Program (ACCAP), which was awarded in September last year.
Once complete, the village will replace the existing BlueCare service in Portsmith and provide culturally informed residential aged care designed specifically for First Nations Elders.
The development is being delivered by UnitingCare in partnership with Pinangba, its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led service arm, alongside local First Nations representatives.
Designed around culture and community
Plans for the new village feature a small household living model, with residents sharing domestic-scale kitchens, dining areas and living spaces rather than traditional institutional layouts.
The design also incorporates culturally grounded communal spaces, artwork and landscaping.
Pinangba General Manager Andrea Fox said the approval marked an important milestone for the project.
“Hollingsworth has always been more than a building. It’s a place where our Elders come together, where stories are shared and where culture is lived every day,” Andrea said.
“Having the development approved means we can now move forward with confidence to build a new Village that carries that spirit forward, while providing modern, culturally grounded care for generations to come.”
Andrea said UnitingCare would continue working closely with residents, families, staff, First Nations leaders and neighbouring organisations as the project progresses.
“Importantly, we are committed to ensuring local people and local businesses have opportunities to contribute to this project and share in its benefits,” she said.
Construction expected later this year
The Pinangba Hollingsworth Elders Village was one of 66 projects funded through the Commonwealth’s ACCAP program and received the third-largest grant allocation nationally.
BlueCare, the health and community services arm of UnitingCare Queensland, operates 46 residential aged care homes across Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Construction is expected to commence later this year.
