OUR STORY

The story of Melaleuca is one of community spirit, compassion and imagination.

In the late 1960s, when Phillip Island was still a small country district, Dr Hopkins, the community-minded local doctor, recognised a need for a local aged care facility and budget-friendly accommodation for the island’s older residents.

A community meeting, convened by the local Jaycees group, was held in 1969 to gauge interest and to call for volunteers to form a working committee.

Following the meeting, a committee of management of twelve elected volunteers was formed to oversee the project, with three local people offering to act as trustees: Tom Beaton, a local business man; Jim Manning, a pharmacist and Eddie Paton, a local farmer.

1971 saw the incorporation of Phillip Island Homes for the Aged and in 1979 the twelve independent living units that make up Melaleuca Village were completed.

Then, in 1988 the 30-bed aged care facility, Melaleuca Lodge, was built and we welcomed our first residents in February 1989.

Melaleuca Place, a complex of 17 one and two bedroom independent living units, was opened in 2005.

And in 2016, Melaleuca Suites, a unique concept of 10 independent living units with a common kitchen, dining and living room and meals provided daily for residents, was completed.

Melaleuca continues to respond to community need with ongoing dedication and a determination to enhance the lives of Phillip Island’s elders.