Located in Berri, South Australia, the development will deliver a new aged care residence on a greenfield site to replace the existing facility. The design will allow for future expansion, and has been designed to support the Riverland community in South Australia. A proposed new adjacent medical centre will create a health care hub for the people of Berri.

Fr. Paul Bourke, Parish Priest, was the celebrant for the site blessing which was attended by honoured guests from the community and Calvary staff. Among those present were the Honourable Tony Pasin, Federal Member for Barker, Peter Hunt, Mayor of Berri Barmera Council, Ella Winnal, Deputy Mayor of Berri Barmera Council and Sisters of St Joseph Regional leaders Sr Christine Schwerdt, Sr Brigitte Sipa and Sr Sheila McCreanor.

Sharon Kendall, Calvary’s SA Regional Chief Executive Officer, said “It makes my heart glad to know that those who have devoted so many years of hard work and faithful attentiveness to their families and communities, can enjoy their retirement in comfort, in beautiful surroundings and with the amenities and services they need to help them lead as full, active and sociable lives as possible. This is what our mission is all about.”

The new 50 bed residence will include a café hub with indoor and outdoor flow, recreational activity spaces, dining and entertainment areas, 24/7 medical services, physiotherapy care, on-site chapel, pastoral care, and administration services.

The Residential Aged Care rooms have been designed to meet the changing needs of residents as they age-in-place. This includes best-practice provisions for varying levels of dementia care. The project will deliver 50 private rooms, each with their own ensuite and make provision for limited key-worker accommodation on site.