The Allan Labor Government is ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Elders in Melbourne's inner northern suburbs can receive the high-quality aged care services they need and deserve, closer to home.
Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt and Member for Northern Metropolitan Region Sheena Watt today toured the redeveloped Aboriginal Community Elders Service (ACES) in Merri-bek.
The important project was delivered via a $6 million grant from the Metropolitan Health Infrastructure Fund (MHIF), with works refurbishing the nursing home and other linked facilities.
Administered by the Victorian Health Building Authority, the refurbishments will help to improve patient flow, with new counselling and consultation rooms, new staff amenities, more workspaces and an upgraded kitchen.
ACES is a not-for-profit Aboriginal community-controlled health organisation, established by the Koorie community in 1991 to care for elders previously isolated in hospitals and other institutions.
With a dedicated team of professionals, ACES offers tailored support, including medical, allied health, and lifestyle programs, ensuring Elders receive culturally appropriate, holistic care, and features single rooms with ensuites and vibrant community spaces to promote comfort and connection.
Established by the Labor Government in 2020, Metropolitan Health Infrastructure Funds (MHIF) it is now worth more than $265 million and has funded 110 projects across metro Melbourne to date.
MHIF provides funding for construction, remodeling, replacement and refurbishment projects, equipment, information and communication technology and other vital upgrade works to expand capacity, improve patient amenity, and enhance safety and infection prevention and control measures.
Funding also enables health services and agencies to adopt new technologies and deliver contemporary models of care, improving the quality and safety of care for patients and staff.
In addition to investments through Regional and Metropolitan Health Infrastructure Funds, the Labor Government has invested more than $698 million in public sector aged care since 2016.
As stated by Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt
"This funding has delivered significant improvements to better support the needs of Elders in Melbourne's inner north - letting them stay closer to home while access the high-quality, culturally safe aged care they need."
As stated by Member for Northern Metropolitan Region Sheena Watt
"The newly refurbished ACES is going to ensure Elders in our local area can maintain access to high-quality, culturally safe aged care within the community they know and love."
As stated by Minister for Health Infrastructure Melissa Horne
"These upgrades are about more than just bricks and mortar-they are about supporting our Elders to live with dignity, in a place where they feel safe, valued, and connected to culture."
