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VMCH has marked a major milestone with the official opening and blessing of its newest retirement living community, St. Clare in the Melbourne suburb of Kew.
The ceremony was led by the Most Rev. Peter A. Comensoli, Archbishop of Melbourne, and celebrated the beginning of a new chapter for VMCH and the growing community now calling St. Clare home.
Guests included representatives from the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne, the Catholic Development Fund— VMCH’s lender for the project — as well as members of the VMCH Board and Executive. More than 50 residents also attended the service, reflecting the strong sense of community already taking shape since they began moving in late last year.
A flagship $250 million project for VMCH, St. Clare encompasses 103 luxury retirement residences and beautiful communal spaces, in the highly sought-after Studley Park. The blessing and official opening marks the culmination of years of planning and development of the biggest project ever undertaken by the the for-purpose Catholic organisation.
VMCH Board Chairman Julien O’Connell AO said St. Clare was also central to advancing VMCH’s mission.
“Retirement living developments like St. Clare enable VMCH to turn purpose into action, generating capital that supports mission‑based initiatives such as affordable housing for older people on low incomes,” Mr O’Connell said, adding it was fitting the precinct was formally blessed as residents continue to build their lives and community within it.
“Many new residents have told us they value knowing their choice to live at St. Clare leaves a lasting philanthropic impact.”
Residents John and Claire Fitzgerald say their life has changed in a positive way since making St. Clare home in December. “We enjoy the convenience, ease and security of living at St. Clare with access to the wonderful facilities, extensive gardens and many activities. We also love the community atmosphere, every time we leave our apartment we bump into a fellow resident and have a chat. It’s nice to be with people of a similar age and with similar interests and the smiling faces.”
Mr. O’Connell, a Catholic Health Australia Board Director, said having Archbishop Peter officially open and bless the space was “a proud and meaningful moment for all involved.”
