Tuesday, 28 October 2025

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (12:25): The Allan Labor government is committed to ensuring that all regional Victorians can access high-quality aged care close to home. Last week I had the pleasure of joining member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh to visit some of the major investments our government is delivering across Gippsland. In Orbost the structural works are now complete on the new $45.3 million public residential aged care facility. Designed to promote independence, the dementia-friendly facility will provide a home-like environment for residents and is on track for delivery next year. It is also fantastic to mark the commencement of early construction on a residential aged care facility in Maffra featuring private bedrooms with ensuites that promote dignity and independence. The facility will enable contemporary models of care for older Victorians.

Ageing in place is vital for older Victorians, especially in regional communities, and our investments mean more locals can remain in the places that they know and love. Our government has been proud to deliver for regional communities right across Victoria, replacing older facilities with purpose-built homes that meet community expectations and ensure residents can age in place even as their care needs increase. I have been proud to visit recently completed facilities in Rutherglen and Camperdown. Construction is progressing really well at Cohuna and Mansfield, and there are early works now for the construction of the $54 million investment to deliver a new facility in Numurkah, modern and purpose-built to provide the care residents deserve and a safer working environment for our staff. The Allan Labor government will always back our regional communities. We are proud to be delivering the aged care services and infrastructure that regional Victorians deserve.