Oakfield Rise Community Centre is an award-winning community hub

The centrepiece of Southern Cross Care’s Oakfield Rise Retirement Estate in Mount Barker, completed in June 2022, has just won a state-wide development award.

The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) SA held its Awards for Excellence in July and named the Oakfield Rise Community City as the winner of the Seniors Living Award.

Southern Cross Care CEO David Moran said he was proud the Centre was recognised for its healthy ageing and community connection focus.

“Our organisation’s “Better for life” vision for older people to improve their physical and mental health was fundamental to the overall outcome of this centre,” he said.

“We are incredibly proud that the Oakfield Rise Retirement Estate Community Centre has won the UDIA SA Seniors Living Award for 2023. 

“We would like to thank the South Australian office of the Urban Development Institute of Australia and the award sponsors, Taarnby. 

“We acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our project partners and staff, who worked tirelessly to bring the vision of this centre into reality, for the benefit of our Oakfield Rise Retirement Estate residents and the local community.”

Liam Golding, UDIA SA Chief Executive Officer said the developments, projects and people that were nominated for the 2023 Awards were “exceptional and made for a competitive field”.

“The calibre of entries in the UDIA’s Awards for Excellence never fails to impress and this year is no exception.”

In announcing the Oakfield Rise Community Centre as the recipient of the Seniors Living Award, Mr Golding said, “The facility offers an array of flexible spaces including a Health & Wellness Centre with gymnasium and treatment rooms, library, games room, lounge and dining areas, café and alfresco spaces”.

“The effort Southern Cross Care has put into design in order to engage residents is commendable. This will encourage residents to be active and support them to stay connected through social activities - an incredibly important factor in maintaining health and well-being as we age.”

Stages 5 and 6 of the Oakfield Rise Retirement Estate are under development, for more information about this community visit the Oakfield Rise page.