The State Government has officially announced the completion of the new $45.3 million public aged care facility in Orbost, marking a significant milestone for older residents in East Gippsland.
Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh visited the site on Monday on behalf of the Minister for Ageing to reveal the facility’s official name: Snowy River Views Residential Care.
With construction now finalised, residents are expected to begin moving into the state-of-the-art building shortly.
The new home features 38 spacious single rooms, each with its own private en suite.
In a move away from traditional institutional layouts, the facility is arranged into small household models, which include shared kitchens, dining areas and lounge spaces designed to create a more intimate, home-like environment.
The contemporary design is specifically dementia-friendly, aiming to promote social connection while providing the necessary infrastructure to support residents with complex care and mental health needs.
Snowy River Views Residential Care will replace the ageing Lochiel House and Waratah Lodge, modernising the level of care available to the local community.
The project also provided a significant boost to the regional economy, with more than 420 workers involved throughout the construction phase.
“It’s so important that older Victorians can stay close to home and their support networks as they age,” Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh said.
“This beautiful new home means Orbost locals can continue to live in the community they know and love.”
Victoria remains Australia’s largest public provider of residential aged care, managing over 150 services.
More than 90 per cent of these are located in rural and regional areas, often serving as the sole provider in smaller townships.
Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt emphasised that the investment ensures high-quality care remains accessible regardless of geography.
“Backed by our investment in public aged care, this modern home will support residents with more complex needs while giving staff a safe workplace with the facilities they need to deliver high-quality care,” Minister Stitt said.
“For the Orbost community, this means locals can stay close to the people and places they know – with the care and dignity they deserve.”
The $45.3 million project is part of a broader $700 million investment by the Labor Government to modernise public aged care across the state.
This includes more than $370 million allocated via the Rural and Regional Public Sector Residential Aged Care Revitalisation Strategy.
These public facilities play a vital role in the Victorian health system, acting as a provider of last resort in communities with limited alternatives and reducing pressure on local hospitals by accommodating residents with highly complex needs.
Member for Eastern Victoria, Tom McIntosh, said the new home means Orbost locals can continue to live in the community they know and love.
Orbost Regional Health chief executive officer Vicki Farthing and Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh at the official opening of the public aged care facility in Orbost on Monday.
