‘The War Vet’s’, Narrabeen: Push for massive makeover of Anzac Village retirement and aged care complex
One of Sydney’s most iconic and beloved retirement and aged care villages – which starred in a hit TV show – is pushing for a massive makeover.
Manly
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One of the most iconic and beloved institutions on the northern beaches is pushing for a massive makeover.
The ANZAC Village – known locally as “The War Vets” – retirement and aged care complex at Narrabeen, was established in 1939 by two World War I veterans to look after returned military personnel.
The RSL LifeCare-operated complex, overlooking Narrabeen Lagoon, has now evolved into welcoming not only war veterans, but other retirees, across a range of independent living accommodation and nursing home options.
Now it wants to modernise and upgrade its facilities with its proposed “Village Renewal” masterplan that includes new housing options and special “wellness” and health precincts.
The War Vets has about 1600 residents, including service personnel who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, and employs more than 800 staff.
It became well know nationally after the ABC’s reality TV show Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds, filmed at the complex, went to air.
RSL LifeCare says the village has outdated buildings that no longer meet modern standards and needs new homes in a variety of sizes and styles “supporting resident choice and evolving care needs”.
It is preparing to make a state significant development application to NSW planning authorities this year after gathering feedback and ideas from its residents, the community and anyone with a link to The War Vets.
Anzac Village has about 700 homes for retirees, ranging from one-bedroom studios to one-, two and three-bedroom units and freestanding houses.
It also offers four nursing homes for more than 300 residents, which includes palliative care.
RSL LifeCare says that over the next 10 to 15 years, it wants to “reimagine the 86-year-old site as a modern, tranquil village for veterans and seniors, where independence, wellbeing and connection are at the heart of everyday life”.
It is proposing the creation of two new precincts – a Lifestyle and Wellness Precinct and a Main Street and Health Precinct.
RSL LifeCare chief executive Janet Muir said while Anzac Village meant a lot to thousands of veterans and seniors, and the broader community over the decades, the masterplan “allows us to build on that foundation in a way that is cohesive, inclusive and true to our purpose to enrich the lives of veterans and seniors”.
“It’s about creating a place where people continue to feel safe, valued and connected, now
and into the future.”
Ms Muir also urged residents, team members, veterans and the wider community to have their say about the renewal plan
“We want this to be a community-led transformation,’’ she said.
“We’re inviting people to share their voice and be part of designing a future that reflects what matters most to our residents and community.
“Residents consistently tell us they value independence, diversity and connection. This transformation honours our legacy while creating a living environment that
reflects how veterans and seniors want to age — with dignity, vibrancy and purpose.”
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