Southern Cross Care takes out prestigious design award

Southern Cross Care NSW & ACT’s newly redeveloped St Catherine’s Residential Aged Care home at Grafton has been awarded the prestigious Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) NSW Award for Excellence in Regional Development.

Presented at the UDIA awards on 26 July, the awards recognise innovation, sustainability, industry leadership, and excellence in urban development across NSW and the ACT.

SCC Chief Executive Officer Monique Reynolds said she was immensely proud of receiving this prestigious design award.

“This award is not just for Southern Cross Care but for every resident, staff member, and family who has made our Grafton home a beacon of excellence on the far north coast,” she said.

“What truly makes this home shine is the vibrant life it brings to our residents.

“A heartfelt thank you to the UDIA for this recognition and to our partners at TKD Architects for designing this beautiful home.

“Here’s to continued innovation, sustainability, and leadership in aged care.”

The newly developed property is now a high-quality 83-bed residential care community with vastly improved resident and staff facilities.

The redevelopment creates a warm and inviting entrance to the facility and incorporates natural light and landscape views into the interior spaces which include a spa room/hair salon, resident laundry, workshop, resident kitchens, library, café, and chapel.

Exterior features include resident walking paths, a chook run, a BBQ area, resident garden beds, kid’s playgrounds for family visits and a greenhouse to promote the physical and psychological wellbeing of the residents and staff.

Della, 90, a long-time resident of Grafton moved into St Catherine’s a few months ago with her husband Fred and can’t believe how lucky they are to have a state-of-the-art home right on their doorstep.

“Living here is like living at the Hilton every day,” she beamed.

“It honestly feels like we are on a permanent holiday.

“Every day, Fred and I walk around the whole place, which gives us plenty of exercise, it’s been life changing.”

Pictured above (L-R): General Manager Property and Development Antony Conides, CEO Monique Reynolds and Senior Associate, TKD Architects, David Earp

(Source: SCC NSW/ACT)