Regional Director, Joe Gaudiosi; local member, Jennie George; and UnitingCare Ageing Director, Gillian McFee.

UnitingCare Ageing has announced the development of a new seniors precinct at Shellharbour on the NSW south coast.

The proposed site will contain a range of housing options along with community and support services aimed at delivering greater choice to the region’s older citizens.

The precinct will include 50 units built under the federal government’s National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS). Tennants in these units will pay rent 25 per cent below market rate.

UnitingCare Ageing’s Director, Gillian McFee said the NRAS housing would assist people on low and moderate incomes to achieve a better quality of life.

“I am very excited about what the Seniors Precinct will offer the Shellharbour community, particularly as it provides options for socially inclusive and affordable accommodation options for people struggling to make ends meet,” she said.

Joe Gaudiosi, Regional Director, UnitingCare Ageing South Eastern Region, said the Seniors Precinct would provide the community with a new style of services for older people.

“The Seniors Precinct moves away from the idea of aged care services being set aside from the wider community,” he said.

“Our new service approach focuses more on integration, providing communities with the chance to continue sharing skills, services and experiences across generations.

“This signals greater flexibility in the services people can access and ultimately, the lives they can choose to lead as they age.”

The Shellharbour precinct will feature a range of community facilities offering clinical and social support.

It will be located adjacent to the Shellharbour Square, allowing easy access to local shopping and recreational facilities.

Work is already underway on an aged care development situated next to the precinct site.