New development opened on historic site
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Carmelite at Myrtle Bank, the latest major development of Southern Cross Care, was officially opened last week by the Federal Member for Sturt Christopher Pyne.
The launch marks the end of a 10-year development project that began when the not-for-profit organisation purchased the 24,000sqm Carmelite convent site in Myrtle Bank at the intersection of Cross Rd and Glen Osmond Rd.
Since then the multi-million dollar project has employed hundreds of skilled tradespeople on the $55m five-storey development.
Southern Cross Care Chief executive officer David Moran said the opening was an important milestone for Southern Cross Care in its 50th year.
“Carmelite is a landmark development, offering vibrant and inclusive retirement living and aged care, and the highest possible standard of services for older South Australians,” Mr. Moran said.
“Demand for the development has been strong, with the development’s 38 luxury retirement living apartments and 70 residential aged care rooms already close to full occupancy.”
Other key features of Carmelite include a state-of-the-art health and wellness centre with heated therapy pool, a vibrant community café, hair and beauty salon, and expansive gardens.
The Carmelite convent was originally the residence of the Catholic Archbishop of Adelaide. It was commissioned by Bishop John O’Reily who moved in to the building in 1897. In 1935 it was passed over to the Carmelite nuns.
Mr Moran described the Archbishop’s residence as a “visual and cultural icon”.
Chair of the Southern Cross Care board, Brendan Bowler OAM, referred to a sculpture commissioned to mark the 50th anniversary of the organisation. Carved by local sculptor Clancy Warner, the artwork comprises three interlocking figures representing love, care and connection.
“We will use this as a way forward,” said Mr Bowler. “The next 50 years and beyond holds great opportunities for Southern Cross Care and we are well-placed to meet the increasing demands that the future will bring.”
The Bowler family, including Brendan’s father Des, was acknowledged for its significant contribution to Southern Cross Care by the naming of the Bowler Café at the new development.
Mr Pyne said the development was a “triumph” for both Southern Cross Care and the Catholic community and showed that the Church was “very relevant to our lives today and into the future”.
“One of the very important parts of our faith and our Church is good works and providing services for the aged is a really important part of our ongoing service to the community as a Church,” he said.
Emeritus Bishop of Darwin Eugene Hurley blessed the facility and spoke of the importance of Catholic organisations such as Southern Cross Care being the best they can be but also “being different” or else there was no point in doing it.
“Everywhere you look here there are reminders of how and why we need to be different; it’s this call of Jesus Christ, to recognise him in one another, to be his servant and colleague, and particularly to recognise him in the poor, oppressed and disadvantaged,” he said.
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