By Jed Lanyon
Warburton is set to see eight new retirement living units built in a project by AdventCare.
An official sod turn took place on Thursday 22 January allowing many vested parties celebrate the project, which overlooks the picturesque Warburton landscape.
AdventCare CEO David Reece said, “This is a special day for Adv
entCare and Warburton as we are able to provide much needed retirement accommodation for the people of Warburton and the surrounding areas.”
Mr Reece said the project would be the first retirement living units built in the township for many years.
“We’re in a wonderful location,” he said. “We realised when we had this site that it was something special.”
Mr Reece was joined by pastor Graeme Christian, chair of the AdventCare board and O’Shanassy Councillor Jim Child for the ceremonial sod turn on the vacant lot behind AdventCare’s aged care units.
“We’ve got the units here and now we’re going to have another eight here. If that’s not a true vision of aging in place in the Upper Yarra, then I don’t know what is,” Cr Child said.
The units will be designed across two levels to ensure each property can enjoy the views of Mount Bride and Mount Tugwell.
Half of the two bedroom units have already been snapped up prior to the beginning of construction. The project will allow some longtime Warburton residents to remain in the town they love as they reach the elder stages of their life.
Warburton residents Betty Stormer and Norman and Joan Way were some of the residents to watch on to see the sod turn at the location they soon hope to call home.
Ms Stormer and Ms Way were both born and raised in the township.
“It’s very exciting, we’ve been waiting for a long time. I’ve had my name down since it was first talked about.” Ms Stormer said.
“I live up the other end of town near the golf course and the house and the garden has become too much for me now. But I don’t want to live anywhere else … This is my chance to be able to stay here.”
The longtime Warburton residents shared what they love most about the town.
“Good, clean country air and you’re away from the rat race of the city,” Ms Way said.
“The views change with the seasons. In wintertime there’s no leaves, then in the springtime you get beautiful wattles coming out and the mist on the mountain,” Mr Way said.
Mr Reece was happy to see the strong early interest from the local community.
“The fact that they turned up today is great recognition that they’re looking forward to being here. Some of them remember the house that was on this site years ago.”
Mr Reece said construction is scheduled to complete by October.
