Aged Care Plus building for the future

Peter Alward (2nd from left), Sharon Callister (4th from right) and Commissioner James Condon (3rd from right) with members of the project team at the “turning of the sod” ceremony.

A “turning of the sod” ceremony has officially marked the start of construction of 42 independent-living units at The Salvation Army Macquarie Lodge Aged Care Plus Centre in Arncliffe, Sydney.

Commissioner James Condon, The Salvation Army's Australia Eastern Territorial Commander, symbolically dug a hole in a patch of grass near where the units are being built. The units are expected to open in August 2017.

The ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including Rockdale City Council deputy mayor Michael Nagi, Aged Care Plus CEO Sharon Callister and Salvation Army property manager Peter Alward. The Sydney Salvation Brass Ensemble brought a number of musical items.

Michael Nagi said the units, which have been in the planning for 11 years, were being built to cater for the ever-growing ageing population in Australia. “Our culturally diverse population continues to age. It’s important that we have quality facilities that provide a range of lifestyle and leisure activities for our local active retirees,” he said. “It’s important to allow Australians to stay in the community they have close connections to. There is no doubt in my mind that this development will have an enormous impact in our community and give local seniors increased options for their retirement.”

Peter Alward said there would be a variety of units in the three-storey development – including one, two and three bedrooms – which will look out over modern outdoor areas. “That’s what this place is – it’s a home for residents,” said Peter, who also revealed that other Aged Care Plus facilities in the territory would be upgraded in the near future.

Commissioner Condon, in reaffirming the Army’s commitment to investing into Aged Care Plus services across the territory, then brought a word from the Bible. He referred to the book of James where God commands his followers to be carers. “I’m proud to lead a Salvation Army that cares,” he said. “Cares for people from all walks of life, cares for the homeless, cares for the addicted, cares for those in need, cares for children, cares for young people, cares for people on the street and cares for senior citizens. Who cares? We do. And I’m proud of that fact. And yes, Aged Care Plus cares.”

Sharon Callister echoed the commissioner's thoughts. “For us here at Aged Care Plus, we are always invested into improving people’s lifestyles,” she said. “Whether it’s through providing loving care in our living and home-care services or providing great places for people to live.”

By Esther Pinn