Melbourne is set to have Australia’s first Indian aged care facility – located in Noble Park – to be operated by DutchCare who came to the rescue when the first operator withdrew because of unexpected capital costs.

The unique challenge is that four separate prayer rooms need to be built to cater to the diverse religions plus a vegetarian commercial kitchen needs to be installed and operated. These add $2 million in construction plus ongoing operational costs.

Ideally they will also bring Indian community festivals like Diwali (festival of lights) and religious events to the facility – but again they are many, spread across many religions.

They are applying for a $4 million government grant.