BaptistCare Caloola Centre in Kooringal offers residents a family-like environment. Photos: BaptistCare.
In its ongoing commitment to offer high-quality care and community services in the Riverina, one of Australia’s leading aged-care providers has opened a refurbished facility in Wagga Wagga.
BaptistCare recently marked the official opening of the upgraded BaptistCare Caloola Centre at its Kooringal site.
The event was attended by BaptistCare CEO Charles Moore, Wagga Wagga Mayor Dallas Tout, BaptistCare Caloola manager Biji Jacko-Matthew, and centre staff, residents, and their families.
Caloola resident of more than 10 years, Anne Coia, said she was thrilled about her transition from the old home to the new one.
“This place is magic! It’s beautiful, and I’m so grateful to BaptistCare for the time and effort they put into designing and building it,” Ms Coia said.
“It means a lot to me to maintain my independence, with access to shared kitchens and washing machines, as well as bigger communal spaces where we can spend time with other residents or our families.
“I just love it here. The staff are magnificent, from the lifestyle coordinators to the carers, and all the residents are so lovely.”
Mr Moore reflected on the legacy of Caloola, emphasising its role in the organisation’s mission to support regional communities.
“Caloola was built 50 years ago because we understood then, as we do now, the importance of providing high-quality aged care in regional communities while offering employment opportunities for passionate local carers,” he said.
“Today, BaptistCare Caloola is not just a place of care and community – it’s also leading the way for the future of aged care in NSW and across Australia.”
Planting a commemorative tree are (from left) Charles Moore (BaptistCare CEO), Robert Dunn (BapitstCare board chair), Cr Dallas Tout (Wagga Wagga Mayor), Anne Coia (Caloola resident), Keith Owers (Caloola resident) and Biji Jacko-Matthew (Caloola manager).
The newly upgraded facility has been designed around a revolutionary “home-style” model, offering residents a family-like environment with shared living, dining and leisure spaces alongside private bedrooms.
“At its heart, Caloola feels like a family home,” Mr Moore said.
“Paired with the person-focused care and dedication our local team brings, and state-of-the-art specialised dementia care and support, BaptistCare Caloola is leading the way in aged care while continuing to foster community and care throughout the region.”
The centre before refurbishment.
BaptistCare said Caloola was an important part of the aged-care network across the Riverina.
“BaptistCare is proud to serve the Riverina community through our provision of care and is excited about the role BaptistCare Caloola will continue to play in supporting seniors to live and age well,” the organisation said in a statement.
BaptistCare is a not-for-profit Christian-based care organisation that operates in NSW, the ACT and WA.
It has been serving the aged and people living with disadvantage since 1944.
Celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2024, BaptistCare supports more than 19,000 people across more than 100 locations. Its services include home care, retirement living, and community services such as affordable housing, no-interest loans, and services for women and children escaping violence.
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