Turning The Mud With The Mayor Of Moonee Valley

On Wednesday 6th April, Embracia Aged Care welcomed Mayor Andrea Surace and Cr Shirley Cornish from Moonee Valley City Council to the construction site of their new 161-place Aged Care home in Avondale Heights, Embracia in Moonee Valley.

Melbourne brought its famous wet weather to the day, and so Mayor Surace and Cr Cornish joined Embracia’s Managing Director, Sarah MacKenzie, in pulling on their boots and braving the rain with hard hats and umbrellas, and the turning of the sod became the turning of the mud! 

The weather could not dampen the spirits of the gathered group, who were delighted  to officially commemorate the commencement of construction of the home.  During her address, the Mayor spoke about ageing in Moonee Valley noting, “Embracia’s philosophy is that their clients have a right to enjoy life with independence, dignity and a sense of purpose is one that Council shares”. 

The Mayor also highlighted the many age-friendly services Council provide.  Sarah MacKenzie spoke of Embracia’s commitment to being an active part of the Moonee Valley community. She reinforced how Embracia is looking forward to ensuring residents can access both Council and Embracia age-friendly services once the home opens.  Sarah also underlined the role Embracia will play in the local economy, providing in excess of 150 employment and volunteer opportunities from nursing and personal care to environmental services.

Sarah acknowledged Embracia’s co-founders Peter and Dawn MacKenzie, or her “folks” as she affectionately called them, who founded the organisation over 30 years ago, and the heritage they have built.  The new aged care home will be the largest in Embracia’s history making this an exciting project as the company moves to the second generation of family ownership.

Due to open in 2017, the home will provide residential aged care to 161 people in a place where they can still enjoy life, love and laughter.  The home will offer 24/7 nursing care in all single rooms with ensuites as well as 11 exclusive first-floor suites which offer apartment-style living with the comfort and security of residential aged care.  Residents will also enjoy home-cooked meals prepared on-site by Embracia’s talented cooks.

Embracia is excited to offer the Moonee Valley community lifestyle facilities and resources including a café, theatre, GP consulting suites, hairdressing salons, chapel and much more.  This purposeful design will allow residents to stay connected to their community and continue to enjoy a varied, fulfilling lifestyle. 

Sarah MacKenzie passionately stated that, “Embracia in Moonee Valley is not just for the elderly residents moving in, but also home to the families and friends.  This home will be an integral part of Moonee Valley and will set the bar for how Aged Care should be”.

Embracia’s person-first philosophy puts the resident’s individual preferences and unique needs at the heart of the care they receive.  The home will also provide innovative dementia care using the Montessori approach, which creates purpose, meaning and fun in the daily lives of people living with dementia.

Click here to find out more about Embracia's aged care services.