Community
27 August, 2025
Ribbon cut for new facility
SOUTH West Healthcare (SWH) has marked the opening of its $39.6 million residential aged care facility, which has officially been named Leura Aged Care.
The new two-storey aged care facility, which replaces Merindah Lodge, opened last Thursday with a visit from Minister for Ageing, Mental Health and Multicultural Affair Ingrid Stitt.
“Victorians deserve to age with dignity and respect – and this modern facility in Camperdown will do just that, empowering residents to stay close to their family and community,” she said.
Residents have spent the past few weeks moving and adjusting to life in the 36-bed, state-of-the-art facility which is based on the idea of small households.
Each wing of the facility has its own kitchen, dining, lounge and breakout sitting areas, creating a warm and homelike environment with every resident enjoying a single bedroom with a private ensuite, supporting dignity, privacy and independence.
The facility also features multiple outdoor spaces, beautifully landscaped gardens with wide accessible paths, a seniors exercise park, and a pair of electric TukTuks for residents to enjoy garden rides.
SWH chief executive officer Craig Fraser said Leura Aged Care redefines how aged care is delivered in the region.
“This investment is more than just a new building, it’s about creating a place where our older community members can live with comfort, dignity and connection,” he said.
“The small household model means residents feel at home, and not as though they are ageing in a facility.”
Executive Director Redevelopment and Infrastructure Jamie Brennan said every aspect of the building had been considered to improve resident wellbeing.
“This is truly the latest in aged care design,” he said.
“This facility was built to meet both the current and future needs of our local communities.”
The event not only marked the official opening and naming of Leura Aged Care but was a celebration of decades of advocacy by SWH behind the building’s redevelopment.
“It is an exciting day not only for our residents, but for our staff,” Mr Fraser said.
“There are so many people to thank, but I’d like to acknowledge the tireless work of Janine Dureau-Finn (project manager aged care redevelopment) and Mr Brennan in particular who have planned, advocated and pushed for this facility to be funded and upgraded for more than a decade.
“The generosity of our community has been incredible – support from the Rotary Club of Camperdown, Friends and Relatives of Merindah (FROM), local businesses and personal donations have played a vital role in taking this new build to the next level.
“The amount of community involvement shows just how much value our region places on creating a better future for our older residents.”
Camperdown Residential Aged Care Appeal manager Suzan Morey, who led the fundraising campaign to include a number of special features, such as an in-house salon space and gym, thanked the community for its support.
“We are incredibly lucky to have the support of the Camperdown community who have been invested in this project from the beginning and who have contributed significant funds to help make the building feel local, familiar and inviting,” she said.