Corumbene celebrates 60 years

Corumbene celebrated its 60th Birthday on Saturday at its residential aged care facility on Lower Road, with distinguished guests, residents, staff, board members, families, and friends.

Distinguished guests included Derwent Valley Mayor Michelle Dracoulis, Rebecca White MP, and Craig Farrell MLC, along with Corumbene CEO Alison Standen and President and Chair of the Board of Management, Ross Carlyle.

Corumbene is a not-for-profit, independent aged and community care provider based in New Norfolk that serves the Derwent Valley, Central Highlands and surrounds.

Corumbene first opened its doors on August 15 1966, after a group of inspired community volunteers joined forces to raise 4000 pounds to renovate the New Norfolk Cottage Hospital, which was built in 1910. The combined hospital and nursing home was situated in Montagu Crescent in New Norfolk. Between 1990 and 1997, volunteers, along with Government grants, enabled the opening of the stand-alone nursing home named Corumbene, which sits on the current site on Lower Road.

In addition to the residential aged care section of the business, Corumbene has also developed a few additional services. In August 2012, assisted living units were built on Lower Road behind Corumbene in the area known as Lower Kentish. Expansion continued in 2017, which saw the development of a small retirement village on Lower Road near the car park, followed by the opening of 18 Houses in a small village opposite Corumbene in 2021. In 2017, Corumbene also launched its Rural Primary Health Program for clients of all ages from birth through to the end of life with chronic illnesses. Corumbene’s other community programs include Help at Home (Home Care), CHSP and Day Centre services. Corumbene Health Hub was established and opened in May 2024 on "The Avenue", involving the redevelopment and restoration of two 1930s hospital buildings, which also added a significant boost to health care and health services in the Derwent Valley.

At the 60th Birthday celebrations on Saturday, Corumbene's Chief Executive Officer Alison Standen began with a rousing speech before handing over to President Ross Carlyle to do the same. Alison and Ross described the facility's history and work over the past 60 years and outlined the changes and challenges experienced during that time.CEO Alison Standen also outlined master plans for future growth for Corumbene and the community. She then introduced Craig Farrell, who also said a few words about his connection with the organisation. Craig and Allison also highlighted the significance of what Corumbene has and continues to provide.

After the speeches were completed, Craig and Ross had the honour of cutting the Birthday cake, and everyone was also able to take home a commemorative booklet about Corumbene's 60-year history and a branded vanilla bean biscuit as a souvenir.

For sixty years, Corumbene has provided outstanding residential, community, and rural health care opportunities, and as a dedicated provider of aged care, Corumbene will continue to deliver services to and for older people in the Derwent Valley and surrounds for many years to come.