Croydon Grove Care Community celebrates official opening

More than 100 older Melburnians call Croydon Grove home as new Care Community celebrates official opening

A new chapter in residential aged care has begun in Melbourne's east, with Opal HealthCare officially opening its redeveloped 128-place Croydon Grove Care Community, creating a vibrant new community where older people can live well, stay connected and continue doing the things they love.

The newly expanded Care Community represents a significant investment in local aged care, helping meet the needs of an ageing population. With 20.4 per cent1 of Croydon's population aged 65 and over, representing 5,8362 people, the redevelopment will enable more older people to access high-quality care and support while remaining close to family, friends and the community they know and love.

The Care Community was officially opened today, 12 November, by David Hodgett MP, Member for Croydon, at a special housewarming celebration bringing together residents, families, team members and local community representatives.

Designed to offer much more than traditional residential aged care, Croydon Grove combines contemporary accommodation and dedicated care with welcoming spaces that encourage friendship, independence, wellbeing and community connection.

From enjoying a coffee with friends in the café and spending time in landscaped courtyards to participating in activities, pursuing hobbies and welcoming family and friends, residents are supported to continue living with choice, dignity and purpose.

Mr Hodgett was delighted to officially open the Care Community.  

"This is a significant investment in Croydon. It’s about more than bricks and mortar. It's about local jobs, local families and a community that is growing together.

"More than 500 people worked on its construction, and 67 new ongoing caring roles have been created here this year. That's people who live locally building careers close to home, and its strengthening local businesses.

"When older people can stay in the community they helped build, cared for by people who live here too, everyone in Croydon benefits."

Resident, Moira Canavan, did the opening honours with Mr Hodgett.  

"I've made very good friends at Croydon Grove Care Community whose company I enjoy”, Mrs Canavan said.  

“I love my beautiful new room, overlooking the sweeping view across the retirement village, and being able to see the Dandenongs.”

Croydon Grove General Manager, Smriti Khatri, said the new Care Community was designed with a simple philosophy: growing older well is about continuing to engage in things that make life meaningful.

"Excellent care is at the heart of everything we do, but living well is about so much more. It's about friendship, purpose, choice and having something to look forward to each day.

"Our purpose at Opal HealthCare is to bring joy to those we care for. At Croydon Grove, we want residents to feel at home, maintain their independence, pursue their passions and continue to be active members of the community.

"Whether it's sharing a coffee with friends, enjoying time with family or discovering a new interest, it's these everyday moments that make a real difference to people's lives.

"We're incredibly proud of this beautiful new Care Community, but what makes Croydon Grove truly special is the people, the friendships and the sense of belonging we're creating together."

The newly redeveloped Care Community features 128 resident places, each with a private ensuite, and a memory care neighbourhood offering dedicated support for people living with dementia.

Other features include a Wellness Centre supporting rehabilitation and reablement, resident kitchens, activity spaces, landscaped courtyards and terraces, a café, salon and welcoming indoor and outdoor spaces designed to bring people together.

Importantly, life at Croydon Grove extends beyond its doors. Connections with a neighbouring retirement living community and local primary school, alongside opportunities to participate in community activities, help residents maintain meaningful relationships across generations and remain connected to the wider Croydon community.

The redeveloped Croydon Grove Care Community began welcoming residents in February 2026 and is already home to more than 100 older people.