Wednesday, 13 August 2025

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (12:31): Last week I had the honour of officially marking the completion of the Boollam Boollam aged care facility at Monash Health’s Kingston Centre in Heatherton, one of Victoria’s largest public residential aged care services and a landmark achievement for the community. I was pleased to be joined by the local member for Clarinda Meng Heang Tak, whose advocacy for older Victorians in his community has been steadfast. His support for this project has been instrumental in seeing it come to life. This $139.6 million investment, a four-storey facility, delivers 150 modern single rooms with private en suites designed with dementia-friendly and complex care needs in mind while preserving the warmth and familiarity of a home-like environment. It is absolutely stunning. The facility features cluster-style households, natural light-filled spaces, terraces, sensory gardens and shared kitchen, dining and lounge areas that support independence, promote mental wellbeing and enhance the quality of life for residents. Located at the Kingston Centre, Boollam Boollam provides seamless access to integrated healthcare services including dementia, memory, falls and mental health clinics, ensuring residents benefit from coordinated, high-quality care tailored to their needs. Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority in partnership with Monash Health and builder Icon, this project supported more than 240 construction jobs, boosting our local economy while also creating long-term opportunities in the aged care workforce.

‘Boollam Boollam’, a name gifted by the Bunurong Land Council meaning ‘butterflies’, symbolises transformation and the journey of life, which is very apt and captures the welcoming spirit of this facility. The Allan Labor government is committed to delivering investment in vibrant, person-centred public sector aged care. Boollam Boollam stands as a testament to our commitment to ensuring that older Victorians receive the quality care they deserve, close to home.