Benetas announces second stage of homes at Mooroolbark retirement village

Benetas has announced plans to build 36 new retirement living homes as part of the second stage of construction at St John’s Rise Retirement Village in Mooroolbark.

People aged 55 and older can begin expressing interest in the homes, which are expected to be completed in 2025. In July 2022, residents began moving into the 46-home first stage of the community, which is named after the Anglican parish that established Benetas services in the area more than six decades ago.

The completed village will feature 131 retirement living homes across four stages located close to a range of local amenities, including the centre of Mooroolbark.

The second stage works will include a community centre, indoor pool, fitness centre, cinema and a multi-purpose exercise room for residents. It will also feature consulting rooms, hairdressing salon, lounge, dining and bar areas, library, craft and billiard room.

Residents already have access to a clubhouse, 24-hour emergency call system, maintenance and repair services and annual testing and changing of batteries in their smoke detectors.

Benetas CEO Sandra Hills OAM said the second stage of the, which had already received promising interest, offered a supportive, inclusive environment in Melbourne’s leafy outer east.

“The demand for residential living will only rise over the next couple of decades, so we’re ensuring there are plenty of attractive and convenient options in the region,” Ms Hills said.

“We’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback from our first St John’s Rise residents with the community set to grow over the next few years.”

Benetas services extend from retirement living through to home care services, respite care and 12 residential aged care homes.

St John’s Rise resident Marisa, whose daughter tragically passed away during 2023, said it was the relationships formed at the retirement village that helped her get through this difficult time.

“Moving into St John’s Rise was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. When I lost my daughter I would not have coped without my neighbours. It’s like I have known them all my life,” Marisa said.

Benetas operates four retirement communities including St John’s Rise, Bridgewater Lake in Roxburgh Park, Dalkeith Heights in Traralgon and, at the end of this year, St Laurence Court in Eaglehawk, Bendigo.

Benetas will run an Open Day at St John’s Rise on Sunday, 25 February between 10am and 12pm.