IRT Peakhurst Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Georges River Lifestyle and Care Community, IRT Peakhurst recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, with a BBQ luncheon for over 100 residents and guests.

IRT Peakhurst residents were joined by the Member for Banks, David Coleman MP, IRT Communities CEO, Stig Andersen and IRT Care CEO, Jason Malone for their Silver Anniversary.

“The residents are the VIPs today,” Mr Malone said. “Together with our wonderful staff, it’s the residents who make IRT Peakhurst the vibrant, connected Community it is.”

IRT Peakhurst was opened on 29 September 1993 by the Minister for Housing, the Hon Robert Webster MLC. To commemorate its 25th anniversary, residents collated a ‘History of the Early Settlers in the Peakhurst Area’.

“The work explains why names like ‘Hannon’, ‘Peake’ and ‘Jamieson’ feature so prominently throughout IRT Peakhurst,” Mr Malone said. “As a community-owned organisation, IRT has a deep respect for the history and traditions of our Communities, so I was delighted to receive a copy of this work today.”

Mr Andersen said the history of IRT Peakhurst as a Lifestyle and Care Community dates back to the early 1990s when IRT and Housing NSW collaborated on a plan to provide more affordable housing and care for older people.

“This collaboration continues to this day,” he said. “IRT Peakhurst is home to a number of Housing NSW clients, which helps to make IRT Peakhurst a diverse and inclusive Community.”

IRT Peakhurst is home to almost 200 people, including three residents who’ve lived there for almost the entire 25 years. It also provides a base for the region’s IRT at Home services and employs more than 50 staff.

Dedicated Lifestyle Mangers support residents to live an active, engaged life, including people living with dementia. “IRT Peakhurst was among the first in Australia to pilot cutting-edge environmental design to increase the independence and quality of life of people living with dementia,” Mr Malone said.

“It also features an innovative care model whereby residents live in one-bedroom villas, instead of care suites. They’re cared for in their homes and share meals in dining halls, creating a village-like environment,” he said.

Members of the St George and Sutherland Shire community are invited to see IRT Peakhurst for themselves at an upcoming Open Day on Friday 6 October. Phone 134 IRT for more information.

Find out more about IRT Group.