Canberra’s seniors are seeing a quiet revolution in quality-of-life options, driven by local not-for-profit provider Goodwin Aged Care Services. With major developments simultaneously underway in the North and South, Goodwin is setting a new standard for modern retirement living that prioritises choice, community, and the ability to age in place.

In the North, Goodwin Village Downer is nearing completion, while in the South, the highly anticipated ‘New Monash’ expansion has just secured critical development approval. These projects are a strategic response to the growing need for high-quality, contemporary housing for older Australians in the ACT.

Downer: Nearing completion in North Canberra

The state-of-the-art retirement village in Downer is entering its final phase with the 109 independent living apartments and 20 dedicated serviced apartments on track to welcome its first residents in early 2026.

Demand for Goodwin Village Downer’s modern, connected lifestyle has been exceptionally high, with many units already pre-sold. The village is designed to offer a complete, active lifestyle, incorporating a wellness centre with a modern HUR gym, treatment rooms, exquisitely landscaped gardens, and a dynamic calendar of social activities.

For Michael Grace, Senior Project Manager at Manteena, the builders for the project, the progress is now visible to the entire neighbourhood.

“The site has hit a major visual milestone with the scaffolding now completely removed, revealing the quality of the finished façade,” Mr Grace said.

“We’ve completed the first apartment, with kitchens nearing completion across the site. Our focus is now firmly on the final internal fit-outs and the external landscaping, including communal planter pots and the ‘Goodwin Village Activity Park’, ensuring the entire village is pristine and ready for residents to move in early next year.”

A model for ageing in place

A crucial innovation at Downer is the inclusion of the 20 serviced apartments. These apartments provide private kitchenettes and ensuites, along with access to services like daily meals and laundry. This model allows residents to seamlessly age in place within the same vibrant community as their needs change.

Erik Boddeus, Goodwin’s Executive Manager of Retirement Living, Property and Development, emphasises that this approach is fundamental to Goodwin’s mission.

“As a not-for-profit organisation, Goodwin’s unwavering focus remains on providing exceptional service and ensuring the wellbeing of our residents and clients,” Mr Boddeus said.

“We pride ourselves on being innovative and delivering best-in-class, yet affordable options for older Australians who wish to downsize, or as we say, ‘right-size’ in Canberra. Our commitment to providing sustainable, connected, and supportive communities like Downer is what sets us apart and ensures we are delivering the best options for older Australians.”

In a first for a Canberra retirement village, Goodwin is further delivering on its community ethos by subsidising seven affordable retirement living units for seniors seeking housing through Community Housing Canberra (CHC).

“This initiative is a key part of our strategy to provide accessible, quality living options amid the growing demand for senior accommodation in the ACT,” Mr Boddeus added.

The village’s integration with the established suburb is highlighted by the recent installation of the first ramp and pathway connecting the site directly to the Downer shops, ensuring residents are fully woven into the local community.

Monash: The next chapter begins

As Downer nears completion, Goodwin is preparing for its next major project in the South, following the recent Development Application (DA) approval for ‘Goodwin Village Monash Extension 3’. The project will deliver 56 new retirement living apartments on the land once occupied by Goodwin’s Ralph Cartwright Centre (RCC), a residential care facility decommissioned and demolished in late 2024 after over 20 years as a beloved part of the Monash village.

“This project is a cornerstone of Goodwin’s long-term strategy to reinvest in our communities and future-proof our services,” said Stephen Holmes, Goodwin CEO.

“This redevelopment is a testament to our commitment to innovation and ensuring that every senior in Canberra has access to the best retirement living options available, spanning from the leafy North to the mountainous South.”

Construction of the three new two-storey buildings, which will feature two- and three-bedroom apartments, is set to commence in mid-2026, with the homes to be released to the market earlier in the year.

Design focused on wellbeing and family

Designed by local practice ck Architecture (Aust.), the ‘New Monash’ development has a strong focus on enhancing both resident wellbeing and family connection. All apartments are fully adaptable and feature double glazing. The majority of units are north-facing to maximise natural light and offer stunning views, including some overlooking the existing village water feature and the Brindabella mountains.

Cassandra Keller, Principal of ck Architecture (Aust.), explained the intention behind the design.

“Our approach at ‘Goodwin Village Monash Extension 3’ was to create buildings that are not only high-performing and fully adaptable but are also deeply connected to the existing village life and the surrounding landscape,” Ms Keller said.

“We’ve incorporated thoughtful, resident-centric elements, from the north-facing aspects and Brindabella views to the specialist dementia-friendly features and the new play space for visiting grandchildren, to ensure these homes truly enhance residents’ quality of life.”

Beyond the apartments, the expansion will include upgrading existing clubhouse facilities and introducing new communal spaces.

Mr Boddeus concluded that this dual approach underscores Goodwin’s long-term vision. “Achieving this DA approval is a huge milestone for Goodwin and the Monash community. This project isn’t just about adding 56 apartments; it’s about strategically growing our capacity to support more seniors in the ACT with high-quality, contemporary living options. The ‘New Monash’ development perfectly reflects Goodwin’s commitment to creating vibrant, connected communities where residents can thrive.”

Ultimately, Goodwin’s investment in Downer and Monash reflects a single vision: creating sustainable, high-quality communities where Canberra’s seniors can remain connected, active, and supported well into the future.

For more information, visit: goodwin.org.au/retirement-living