Uniting Starrett Lodge on the Central Coast has celebrated 20 years of aged care services.
Since 2002, the facility at Hamlyn Terrace has been home to 60 older people at any given time and has recently increased its capacity to support 80 people.
The home specialises in supporting people living with dementia.
"The anniversary marks a significant milestone for Uniting Starrett Lodge as we celebrate our 20th birthday," said head of Residential Operations North, Margaret Strahan.
"We have much to be proud of and look forward to.
"Today is an occasion to commemorate the care and support we have provided over the past 20 years and show appreciation for our wonderful staff and residents.
"It is also an opportunity to reflect on our achievements and challenges over the past 12 months."
Residents, staff and volunteers only were invited to the event, due to the Covid restrictions still in place for visitors.
Celebration for all
Lifestyle and wellness coordinator Bettie Taylor, who planned the event with the help of other staff, said she wanted to make it a celebration for all to enjoy.
"I really enjoyed putting this event together," she said.
"I learned a little more about Starrett Lodge and its history and it makes me appreciate my job that much more, especially seeing the residents enjoying themselves and having a great time together."
Resident Shirley Knighton had a great time: "This was a lovely event, and I will always remember it".
Margaret Noller agreed. "I had a good time dancing," she said.
Resident Brian White described the event as "definitely a memorable occasion - something different, something we were all looking forward to and really enjoyed".
In 2016, the home's residents published a book of short stories chronicling their lives titled The Lives We Lived.
Uniting Starrett Lodge has rich and long-standing ties with the local community and has won three Better Practice Awards and two Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Awards.
Phone 1800-864-846 or click here for more information.