Salvos aged care centre celebrates government grant
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
The Salvation Army Australia’s Chief Secretary and the Head of Aged Care, along with senior leaders and the Aged Care Executive team, attended an event at Montrose Aged Care Centre in Balmain, Sydney, on 7 May to recognise an Australian Government grant awarded to the centre for refurbishment works.
“At the heart of everything we do as The Salvation Army, there is a clear vision of caring for the whole person,” Chief Secretary Colonel Chamness said during his speech.
“Our work in aged care gives us the opportunity to see that vision influence a community of people. It is where belief meets action and where values are lived out every day through care, presence and advocacy.”
He acknowledged that this work succeeds through strong partnerships, such as those The Salvation Army has with government, the community and service providers and, in the context of The Salvation Army Aged Care, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s Aged Care Capital Assistance Program (ACCAP) grants, and the one awarded to Montrose, are intended to build, extend, or upgrade aged care services or to build staff accommodation where older Australians have limited or no access to aged care services. The Program aims to maintain or increase access in ‘thin market’ settings where residents may have experienced homelessness or are at risk of homelessness, such as those residing at Montrose.
The centre, a 44-bed all-male nursing home, is a living expression of The Salvation Army’s mission, vision and values, Colonel Chamness went on to state.
“Montrose is not just an aged care home. It is a place of intentional refuge and restoration,” he said.
His comments were echoed by the Head of Aged Care, Angela Raguz, who shared that, while Montrose residents may have complex mental health needs, trauma histories and have experienced social and financial disadvantage, the centre and its staff members empower them to have a quality of life through acceptance, non-judgement and dignity.
“We recognise that Montrose residents deserve quality spaces,” she said.
“Infrastructure is not just about buildings – it shapes care, wellbeing and outcomes. This grant demonstrates both The Salvation Army’s and the government’s commitment to vulnerable older Australians.”
The grant-related works commenced at Montrose in 2025, with a completion date of 2027 and consist of upgrades to rooms, bathrooms and kitchenette areas; replacement and upgrades of IT equipment and furniture; and external works upgrades, including to walkways, painting, and the pergola. As Montrose is a heritage-listed building, consideration was given to this and sourcing the original exterior paint colour.
Event attendees, including Major Stuart Glover (Assistant Chief Secretary – Business), Major Bruce Harmer (Head of External Communications), and Albert Olley (Group Executive – Mission Enterprises) were welcomed by Centre Manager Trudi Clinton, who conducted a tour of the home with Aged Care Property Strategy & Development Manager, James Tetley.
Representatives from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing also toured the Centre, with Centre Chaplain Marty Nezval hosting the event, and Aged Care Mission and Chaplaincy Manager Major Cheryl Kinder opening the morning with an acknowledgement of country and in prayer.
