General News
1 June, 2026
New Stonehaven wing opens in Rupanyup
A major milestone for aged care services in Rupanyup was welcomed as West Wimmera Health Service officially opened Stage One of the Stonehaven Nursing Home redevelopment on May 22.
The new seven-bed wing replaces several unused residential rooms and an old staff dining area.
The redevelopment includes seven new rooms with private en-suites, a shared kitchen and dining area, a quiet lounge, and an outdoor patio with an accessible garden and open-air pavilion.
West Wimmera Health Service chief executive Ritchie Dodds said the new wing would make a meaningful difference to residents and their families.
“It has all the modern amenities, lots of space, and privacy in areas where residents and their families need it,” Mr Dodds said.
He said the project would help secure the future of residential aged care in the town.
“It really underpins residential aged care in Rupanyup for many years to come,” he said.
The Victorian Government contributed about $5.8 million towards the redevelopment, with further support coming from local donors, community groups and the Dunmunkle Health Services Foundation.
Mr Dodds said the health service was grateful for the strong support behind the project.
“We are very grateful for all the support we have had from the Victorian Government, the local community, staff, residents, volunteers and local support groups,” he said.
The opening celebration was held before residents moved into the new wing, allowing the community to tour the space and mark the completion of the first stage.
Mr Dodds said the project had been years in the making, with planning beginning before COVID-19.
Despite delays and rising costs, the redevelopment was completed on budget.
“We are thrilled that it has finally come to fruition,” he said.
“It provides a high-quality community asset for many years to come, which people who come after us will enjoy well into the future.”
As part of the celebration, the Linda Graham Pavilion was also officially opened in honour of former Stonehaven resident and generous benefactor Linda Victoria Graham, who lived in Rupanyup for 103 years.
Her family members attended the opening and helped mark the occasion.
Mr Dodds said WWHS planned to continue renewing the broader facility over time.
“This starts the process of renewing the whole facility over time,” he said.
“For now, the local community can be very happy with the end result.”