A groundbreaking ceremony for Mercy Haven, a brand-new multimillion dollar aged care home in Rockhampton, took place on Wednesday 12 July 2023.
The Most Reverend Michael McCarthy, Bishop of Rockhampton, blessed the start of construction on the $42 million facility which is designed to replace the existing Bethany Nursing Home in Rockhampton’s medical precinct of The Range.
Representatives from the Mercy Community Board and senior leadership team, Mercy Partners, building contractors Paynters, and local politicians, joined team members and residents from the existing Bethany facility to help turn the first sod marking the beginning of this exciting new project.
Mercy Community has appointed Paynters as the construction company – an Australian-owned and operated company which has been delivering projects for more than 60 years. The new aged care home has been designed to provide the highest level of care of the elderly, including those with complex needs. It will feature state-of-the-art facilities including private rooms with ensuites, community spaces and gardens.
Mercy Community is committed to delivering the best possible care for elderly Australians, and the new aged care home is an important part of this commitment. Additionally, construction will create new jobs and support the local economy.
Mercy Community CEO Fritha Radyk said the replacement of Bethany with “Mercy Haven” – a three-storey purpose-built 90-bed nursing home – was much needed and well overdue.
“The name for the new facility – Mercy Haven – has been chosen by the local Sisters of Mercy who have always been committed to ensuring that regional areas have the beds they need for people to remain in their communities as they age,” Ms Radyk said.
“While we’re very pleased construction is underway, in the interim, our team is continuing to provide high quality and caring services to our residents.
“The current facility was built on a medical model more than 45 years ago and is one of the oldest un-renovated residential aged care facilities remaining in Rockhampton.
“When built, Mercy Haven is designed to provide the privacy, space and dignity needed to invigorate the lives of current and future residents.”
“We’d also like to thank the Federal Government for committing $17.8 million in funding which has allowed us to move forward with this project at this time despite the headwinds of recent increased building costs.”
The new facility is expected to be operational in 2024.
