Long-term Timboon residents Max and Nola Mitchell moved into their independent living unit yesterday, taking the opportunity to downsize but remain in the town they love. 

“We’ve got an acre here and it was getting a bit too much. We’ve been thinking about moving for a few years and had a look at a few options in Warrnambool but preferred to stay in Timboon,” Mr Mitchell said.

“All our friends are here and we love the town,” Mrs Mitchell added

Two independent living units have been built on land near the town’s hospital and the second is expected to be occupied shortly. The tenant enters a long-term lease for the units and pays $100 a week towards maintenance and upkeep.

The development has been a true community project. All fund-raising to build the units came from the Timboon area. Port Campbell Constructions built the units and used local trades people and businesses wherever possible.

Timboon Abbeyfield committee chairman Peter Pope said the realisation of the project was a dream come true, but the committee doesn’t plan to rest on its laurels.

“It’s a relief and we’re also very proud of what the community has been able to achieve,” Mr Pope said.

But he said more was needed to meet demand. The next priority is to raise enough money to build more units. 

“The next option is to build two new independent units or turn an existing building on the site into three independent units,” Mr Pope said. 

“We will respond to what the market tells us and where there is a need in the community.”

The community will have a chance to inspect the new units when Corangamite Shire mayor Chris O’Connor officially opens the facility on April 17. On April 18 the unoccupied unit will again be open for inspection between 10.30am and 3.30pm.

“They’re very roomy and not like a typical aged-care unit. They’re low-maintenance and an excellent set-up,” Mr Pope said.