Quality aged care for Merri-bek elders

The redeveloped Aboriginal Community Elders Service in Merri-bek is ready to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Elders in Melbourne’s inner northern suburbs can receive the high-quality aged care services they need and deserve, closer to home.

Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt and Member for Northern Metropolitan Region Sheena Watt today toured the facility on Wednesday  and said the funding had delivered significant improvements to better support the needs of Elders.

The project was delivered via a $6 million grant from the Metropolitan Health Infrastructure Fund, with works refurbishing the nursing home and other linked facilities.

Administered by the Victorian Health Building Authority, the refurbishments will help to improve patient flow, with new counselling and consultation rooms, new staff amenities, more workspaces and an upgraded kitchen.

ACES is a not-for-profit Aboriginal community-controlled health organisation, established by the Koorie community in 1991 to care for elders previously isolated in hospitals and other institutions.

With a dedicated team of professionals, ACES offers tailored support, including medical, allied health, and lifestyle programs, ensuring Elders receive culturally appropriate, holistic care, and features single rooms with ensuites and vibrant community spaces to promote comfort and connection.

Established by the Labor Government in 2020, Metropolitan Health Infrastructure Funds it is now worth more than $265 million and has funded 110 projects across metro Melbourne to date.

MHIF provides funding for construction, remodelling, replacement and refurbishment projects, equipment, information and communication technology and other vital upgrade works to expand capacity, improve patient amenity, and enhance safety and infection prevention and control measures.

Funding also enables health services and agencies to adopt new technologies and deliver contemporary models of care, improving the quality and safety of care for patients and staff.

“These upgrades are about more than just bricks and mortar—they are about supporting our Elders to live with dignity, in a place where they feel safe, valued, and connected to culture,” Minister for Health Infrastructure Melissa Horne said.