Cr Mack turned the first sod on the Borella House redevelopment.

“We aren’t getting any younger,” he said light-heartedly.

The $6 million revamp of the aged care hostel, which is run by Living Care — part of Churches of Christ NSW — will see the provision of 22 additional beds as well as the refurbishment of existing rooms. 

The tender has been awarded to Southern Cross Constructions.

Living Care executive director Graham Reed said the development would allow the provision of a different aged care model.

“When this was originally built it didn’t cater for those with high needs because people didn’t live as long then,” he said.

“But now people have high care needs and we will also focus on that.

“We want people to stay in their own home as long as possible but we will build an environment here where they can move to and not have to move on to a nursing home.”

Mr Reed said focusing on a broad range of care needs would provide for the Border’s ageing population. 

“We want to be able to support the older people in the community and it is more in line with what they want,” he said. 

Once construction is complete, residents will be offered new rooms to allow for the refurbishment of the older rooms.

Cr Mack said it was a significant development for East Albury as the community needed an aged care facility. 

“It’s important we don’t take the elderly for granted and it is important to give them a fresh start by updating the infrastructure,” he said. 

“Providing fresh paint and renovations makes them feel more comfortable”.

The redevelopment is expected to be completed midway through next year.