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The first new residential aged care home on Queensland’s Western Downs in 16 years has opened its doors.
The state-of-the-art new building in Chinchilla can house 81 residents, creating an additional 18 places for older residents of the region to remain in their local area as they enter the next stage of their life.
It replaces the almost 40-year-old facilities at Illoura Village in Chinchilla (currently home to 63 residents) and features modern amenities, private rooms with ensuites, and spacious communal areas, designed to foster connection and wellbeing.
Southern Cross Care Queensland (SCCQ) CEO Jason Eldering said the project is the first stage in SCCQ’s broader plan to create the Chinchilla Wellness Hub. Future stages include the redevelopment of existing buildings to create an “Age well” community centre, consultants’ rooms for primary and allied health, a gym and café.
“We’re thrilled to open this exceptional home which reflects our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality aged care in rural and remote communities,” said Mr Eldering.
“Not only does it significantly increase the bed count we could offer previously, it incorporates the refurbishment of another building onsite for use by Southern Queensland Rural Health (SQRH) for a new dedicated education and training hub.”
The project was made possible through $17.5 million in funding from the Australian Government via the Aged Care Approval Round (ACAR). SCCQ outlaid a further $18.5 million to deliver a $36 million home that sets a new standard for aged care in regional Queensland.
Minister welcomes regional care
Minister for Aged Care, Hon Anika Wells MP, highlighted the government’s commitment to improving aged care in regional Australia, emphasising the importance of keeping older Australians connected to their communities while enhancing care standards and living environments.
“Australians living in regional and rural areas shouldn’t have to leave their communities and move to the city to get the care they need which is why our investment in Southern Cross Care Queensland is so important,” Minister Wells said.
“Design has the potential to vastly improve quality of life for older people living in aged care homes as well as the working environments of the people who care for them.
“We know the next generation of Australians entering aged care want a better model and standard of care than those before them and we are investing billions of dollars to raise those standards.”
Residents and families have expressed excitement at the new facility, which has been designed to prioritise comfort, care, and community.
Resident Beverley Cole said, while she has fond memories of the original building, she is looking forward to settling in to her new room.
“It was difficult for me at first to come into Illoura when my health failed but it’s been so amazing, with my husband welcomed every day to visit me in the home,” she said.
“We have picked a room with a courtyard in the new home and we’re so excited to set up a sitting area for us.”
Mr Eldering said the evolution of Illoura Village demonstrated SCCQ’s commitment to creating an environment for its residents where best lives are lived.
“This development is more than just an aged care home; it’s part of a broader vision to support vibrant, thriving regional communities and support sustainable workforce solutions,” he said.
Above: residents enjoy their new home which was officially opened by L-R: Jason Eldering CEO Southern Cross Care Queensland, Member for Maranoa the Hon David Littleproud MP, Most Reverend Bishop Ken Howell DD SLL, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba and Francis Price, Chair Southern Cross Care Queensland.
