Today marks an extraordinary milestone for both Goodwin and the broader Canberra community. We are absolutely thrilled to announce that our highly anticipated retirement living development, Goodwin Village Downer, is officially open.
The official ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together local residents, future neighbours, and key territory leaders – including ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr MLA and ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA. The morning was filled with celebration, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the journey that brought this stunning village to life.
We were also delighted to welcome a very special international guest, Mr. Ahti Torronen, Deputy Head of Mission for the Finnish Embassy. His attendance celebrated our partnership with the renowned Finnish health company HUR, whose state-of-the-art wellness and rehabilitation equipment is a cornerstone of the new village gym and our territory-wide wellness centres.
Nestled beautifully on Melba Street, Goodwin Village Downer has been thoughtfully designed to honour the established character of its vibrant neighbourhood. The striking architecture features deep red and dark grey terracotta façades; a deliberate and nostalgic reference to the classic 1960s residential character that defines the history of the inner-north.
While the exterior respects the past, the interior is built entirely for the future. The village features 109 light-filled independent living apartments alongside 20 boutique serviced apartments. Every square inch of the development has been built to meet strict Australian accessibility standards. This means our residents enjoy spacious, contemporary layouts today, with the absolute peace of mind that their homes are fully equipped to support them to safely age in place with sustained autonomy as their needs change.
At Goodwin, our biggest point of pride is our local identity. For over 70 years, we have grown alongside the capital, and we remain entirely Canberra owned and operated. This deep connection to our region’s history and its people guides everything we do.
Fiona Jolly, Goodwin Board Chair
As a proud not-for-profit organisation, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to age with dignity, security, and a true sense of belonging. That is why we are incredibly proud of our strategic partnership with Community Housing Canberra (CHC) for this project. By integrating dedicated, high-quality affordable rental homes directly into the village, we are ensuring that premium, supportive retirement living remains accessible to a diverse range of older Canberrans.
It is a community-first approach that sets a wonderful new benchmark for the ACT, ensuring our seniors can remain active and included in the city they love.
Goodwin has been providing care, lifestyle choices, and exceptional accommodation to seniors since 1954. With the opening of Goodwin Village Downer, we are excited to see the friendships, laughter, and everyday moments that will turn these beautiful new buildings into a bustling, connected home.
To our very first Downer residents, and to those who will join us in the months ahead -welcome home. We are so honoured to begin this next chapter with you.
Visit our Goodwin Village Downer page to explore available apartments or contact our friendly team today to learn more.
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