A brief history of Boandik Lodge
The concept for Boandik Lodge began in 1949 when the old aged, invalid and widow’s pension association made representations to the City Council. By 1952 public meetings and initial funding, sponsored by the Late Councillor AF (Tony) Sutton, initiated what is now Boandik Lodge. In 1956 the doors of the Mount Gambier Old Folks Home opened with accommodation for six men and six women. In 1959 the home was re-named “Boandik Lodge” in honour of the Boandik people who lived in the district at the time of European settlement.
There has been significant change to the size or the organisation and the range of services provided since that initial building opened. The expansion would not have been possible without the fantastic support provided by the Mount Gambier community. This support has ranged from individual donations, financial and in-kind support from service clubs and community organisations and the significant financial support provided by the Kessal bequest, City of Mount Gambier and District Council of Grant.
Development overview
1956 - 1975
Construction of independent living units at the Lake Terrace site
1970
21 bed Kessal Wing Nursing Home opened at the Lake Terrace site
1984
Boandik Kessal increased to 30 beds
Allan Scott Day Therapy Centre constructed at Lake Terrace site
1985
Joint venture with SA Housing Trust for construction of Kentish Court units at Lake Terrace site
1986 - 1990
Redevelopment of Boandik Sutton original section of building
Addition of dementia specific unit
1995
Construction of Boandik Crouch street 36 bed low care facility
1996
Expansion of Boandik Kessal to 48 beds
1997
Initial 30 home care packages implemented
1998
Expansion of home care packages to provide services to 50 clients in the entire South East region
2000
Addition of 37 beds at Boandik Crouch, some being transfers from Lake Terrace
2005
Boandik St Marys opened with 50 new beds and 18 dementia specific beds transferred from Lake Terrace
Extended aged care at home program commenced with 10 packages providing high and low care service
2006 - 2016
Upgrade of Lake Terrace site, currently an 88 bed residential facility
Continued expansion of Boandik Community Care programs. Currently providing service to over 500 clients throughout the Limestone Coast
2008 - ongoing
Upgrade and replacement of Independent Living Units at Lake Terrace site
2013
Purchase of Kentish Court - 8 Independent Living Units
2016
Purchase and upgrade of Sutton Court Retirement Village in Port MacDonnell
2017
Recepiton / main entry upgrade Lake Terrace and Crouch Street
2018
New nurse call system at St Marys. - Air-conditioning in all rooms at St Marys and Crouch Street. - Overhead hoists installed in 68 rooms at St Marys
2020
Overhead hoists fitted to rooms, and Laube rooms upgraded at Lake Terrace
2019 - 2020
Community Wellbeing Centre (hydrotherapy pool), gymnasium, community rooms constructed at 101 Lake Terrace East, Mt Gambier
2022
Dementia specific accommodation village to be constructed. Currently under planning direction