Southern Cross Care SA, NT & VIC unveil $18 million expansion project

Darwin, NT — In a major development for aged care services in the Northern Territory, Southern Cross Care SA, NT & VIC has announced plans for an impressive $18 million expansion of Pearl Supported Care in Darwin’s picturesque Fannie Bay. The project is set to accommodate residents with dementia while offering enhanced health services for a broader clientele.

This ambitious development encompasses the creation of a state-of-the-art 26 bed dementia-friendly unit, thoughtfully designed with two separate living wings and a central hub for communal activities, dining and relaxation. 

This addition will increase the residential capacity of Pearl Supported Care by a remarkable 30 percent. Notably, the central areas of this unit will also serve as a dedicated cyclone shelter, ensuring safety for residents and staff during extreme weather events.

This expansion included the establishment of an age-friendly health and wellness centre, firmly rooted in SCC’s proven healthy ageing model. The centre boasts world-class equipment and an extensive array of services, ranging from physiotherapy, podiatry and exercise physiology to group fitness, strength and rehabilitation classes, along with other, various social activities.

Southern Cross Care’s Chief Executive Officer David Moran lauded the project as transformative for aged care in the region, emphasising the heightened service offerings for care recipients and an improved work environment for staff.

Mr Moran stated, “Our new residential care unit will incorporate cutting-edge dementia-friendly design, while our new health and wellness centre will significantly enhance access to top-notch health, wellness, and rehabilitation services, promoting the well-being and preventing frailty among older members of the community.”

Following the recent acquisition of the necessary land by SCC, the next phase of detailed planning is now underway. Anticipated to commence in mid-2024, the construction works are expected to conclude in time for operations to commence in late 2025.

Mr. Moran expressed gratitude for the substantial support received from government entities, as they collaborated to make this project a reality. The Commonwealth has extended capital grants to assist in funding the construction works, while the Northern Territory government has contributed to the acquisition of Crown land for the new facilities, which are positioned to the south of the existing Pearl Supported Care home.

This substantial investment by Southern Cross Care SA, NT & VIC reflects a significant step forward in providing comprehensive and state-of-the-art aged care services for the residents of the Northern Territory, furthering the organisation’s mission to enhance the well-being of older Australians.