Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) take out prestigious award

July 30, 2024

Pictured above: left to right: General Manager Property & Development Antony Conides, CEO Monique Reynolds, Senior Associate, TKD Architects, David Earp

Southern Cross Care’s newly redeveloped St Catherine's Residential Aged Care home at Grafton has been awarded the prestigious UDIA NSW Award for Excellence in Regional Development.  

Presented at the Star Casino last Friday night, the awards recognise innovation, sustainability, industry leadership, and excellence in urban development across NSW and the ACT. 

SCC Chief Executive Officer Monique Reynolds said she was immensely proud of receiving this prestigious design award. 

“This award is not just for Southern Cross Care but for every resident, staff member, and family who has made our Grafton home a beacon of excellence on the far north coast,” she said.  

“What truly makes this home shine is the vibrant life it brings to our residents.   

“A heartfelt thank you to the UDIA for this recognition and to our partners at TKD Architects for designing this beautiful home.  

“Here’s to continued innovation, sustainability, and leadership in aged care” 

The newly developed property is now a high-quality 83-bed residential care community with vastly improved resident and staff facilities. 

The redevelopment creates a warm and inviting entrance to the facility and incorporates natural light and landscape views into the interior spaces which include a spa room/hair salon, resident laundry, workshop, resident kitchens, library, café, and chapel. 

Exterior features include resident walking paths, a chook run, a BBQ area, resident garden beds, kid's playgrounds for family visits and a greenhouse to promote the physical and psychological wellbeing of the residents and staff. 

Della, 90, a long-time resident of Grafton moved into St Catherine's a few months ago with her husband Fred and can't believe how lucky they are to have a state-of-the-art home right on their doorstep. 

"Living here is like living at the Hilton every day," she beamed. 

"It honestly feels like we are on a permanent holiday. 

"Every day, Fred and I walk around the whole place, which gives us plenty of exercise. He has dementia and knowing I don't have to worry the whole time about him getting out and wandering the streets is such a load off my mind, it's been life changing.”