Former state member for the seat of Murray Valley, Ken Jasper with Northern Victoria MP Jaclyn Symes and Minister for Ageing, Ingrid Stitt at the opening of the $57 million Glenview Community Care Nursing Home in Rutherglen.
Rutherglen’s biggest ever Victorian State Government-funded project, the $57.1 million Glenview Community Care Nursing Home, was officially opened last Friday, June 27 by Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt and Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes.
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The project involved relocating the High Street Glenview Community Care Nursing Home to the new, state-of-the-art facility on Main Street.
The bigger site has allowed the facility to expand from 40 to 50 beds giving all residents their own rooms with private ensuite bathrooms.
To help residents feel at home, rooms are grouped into smaller households with dedicated kitchen, dining, lounge and sitting areas, designed to maximise residents’ independence,
Operated by Glenview Health, the new facility also features a community room, reflection room and other common areas for residents to interact with each other, their families and friends.
The bigger site has allowed the facility to expand from 40 to 50 beds giving all residents their own rooms with private ensuite bathrooms.
Capitalising on the natural surroundings of the new site, natural light and open area views have been prioritised throughout the building.
Green spaces and fresh air are essential for physical and mental wellbeing and the facility ensures that residents will always have access to these important amenities.
Glenview has been purposefully designed to be dementia-friendly and better suited to support the unique mental health needs of older Victorians.
The modern, fit-for-purpose design provides a safe and comfortable place for residents to call home and a modern working environment for the dedicated staff.
Ms Stitt said that Victorians deserve to age with dignity and respect.
“The new aged care facility Rutherglen provides residents independence and the ability to age in place.”
“The new aged care facility Rutherglen provides residents independence and the ability to age in place,” she said.
“It’s got to be up there as one of the best I’ve seen.”
Staff and residents watch on as the new facility is opened.
Member for Northern Victoria, Treasurer and Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes recalled the journey to last Friday over the last decade, mentioning that “bloody old kitchen” in the former nursing home.
“I heard straight away, when I was elected 10 years ago, this was something I needed to commence,” she said.
“People like Ken Jasper (former MP) and Barb Murdoch (former Indigo Shire mayor) were very strong supporters, very loud and convincing, and we’ve arrived at this $57 million facility in 2025.
“It has so much, including a hairdresser and even a bar.
“To be here today to celebrate is wonderful; it’s a wonderful investment in Rutherglen.”
Both ministers praised the nursing home care staff, singling out chief executive Shane Kirk for his “huge effort”.
Rutherglen resident and long-time Victorian MP Ken Jasper AM was thrilled with the result.
“It’s the biggest amount of money that’s ever been allocated to Rutherglen.”
“It’s the biggest amount of money that’s ever been allocated to Rutherglen,” he said.
“It’s an enormous result; an outstanding facility that has been delivered.
“It’s a team effort; a team effort gets results.”
Mr Jasper appreciated a refreshment room being named Jaspers Cafe in respect of the work by his late brother and himself towards improved health services for Rutherglen.
“It’s a nice gesture,” Mr Jasper said.
“My late brother Max was a Life Governor of the Rutherglen Hospital/Glenview Nursing Home Board for 20 years and was chairperson for 12 years.”
Indigo Shire councillor Roberta Horne had the “privilege” of serving on the Glenview Board when Ms Symes visited Rutherglen.
“I was deeply impressed by how quickly she assessed the needs of our community and took swift action to direct much-needed assistance our way,” Cr Horne said.
“On behalf of the communities of Indigo Shire, I extend a heartfelt thank you to Minister Symes for her responsiveness and approachability in addressing our needs.”
Indigo Shire councillor Roberta Horne with Ken Jasper.
Cr Horne also acknowledged Barb Murdoch.
“She would have loved to attend today's opening, and we owe her a great deal of gratitude for her unwavering advocacy and close political ties with the minister, to bring this project to fruition,” Cr Horne said.
“With Indigo Shire having the fourth-largest aging population in the state, being able to remain in our beautiful community as we grow older is a privilege we certainly don't take for granted.”
Designed by Clarke Hopkins Clarke, and delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority and builder Zauner Construction, the project created around 170 local construction jobs, with more ongoing jobs following its opening.
As of the official opening day last Friday, there were 45 residents enjoying their new surrounds.
“We will have 50 by end of next week,” Mr Kirk said.
“We have applied to the Commonwealth for funding to construct the additional 10 beds so desperately needed.”
