WORK is underway on the $62.8 million redevelopment of the Bindaree Retirement Centre, with Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes visiting the facility on November 29 for the sod turning.

Joining Ms Symes in official duties on the Friday were Mansfield District Hospital (MDH) acting CEO Michelle Spence and MDH Board chair Karen Bennetts, along with Victorian Health Building Authority project director Phil Smith and Cathal Finnegan from Nicholson Construction.

The new 30-bed facility will replace the ageing Buckland House and is being built next alongside Bindaree which currently has 42 beds.

Redevelopment also includes the refurbishment of the centre, providing an upgraded facility for residents.

Recently revealed designs for the new facility showcase 30 modern single rooms and private ensuite bathrooms, a dedicated kitchen, dining, lounge and break-out sitting areas for residents to stay connected with each other as well as loved ones.

The facility has been designed to maximise the benefits of its natural surroundings, offering residents open views and plenty of natural light, recognising the positive impacts of green spaces and fresh air on physical and mental wellbeing.

"This redevelopment will also contribute to a better quality of life and opportunities for social interaction between residents and loved ones," said Ms Symes.

The new facility will also provide a dementia friendly environment that is better suited to supporting the mental health and complex care needs of older Victorians.

The dementia-friendly design ensures residents can ‘age in place’, which is especially valuable in regional areas like Mansfield – allowing residents to stay near their support networks, preserving vital family and community connections as their care needs grow.

“We are all excited about the redevelopment," said MDH acting CEO Michelle Spence.

"The residents and their carers are looking forward to living and being cared for in this new purpose-built dementia-friendly aged care facility.

"The addition of designed areas for lifestyle activities along with resident-friendly lounge and dining areas will mean our residents will have greater choices in what they do each day.

"With the construction occurring alongside Bindaree Retirement Centre, existing residents are able to observe the works that are underway.”

The Victorian Health Building Authority is delivering the project in partnership with Mansfield District Hospital and commercial construction company, A W Nicholson.

It is expected to be completed late 2027.