Catholic Healthcare has officially marked the beginning of the final stage of the St Hedwig Village redevelopment in Blacktown, celebrating the turning of the sod for a project that will transform the site into one of Western Sydney’s leading connected communities for older people.
The project will deliver 46 new independent living apartments, increasing the retirement village to 117 residences, as well as a community centre, wellness hub, new respite centre, and chapel. Together, these spaces will enable older people to access a range of care, lifestyle and wellbeing options while remaining connected to the place and community they know and love.
The final stage also includes the major refurbishment of the residential aged care home. Following its closure on 28 May 2026, residents successfully transitioned to other Catholic Healthcare communities and residential care providers in preparation for the next stage of the redevelopment.
The refurbished home will provide 70 residential care beds, 12 care suites and upgraded communal spaces, creating a more modern, comfortable and supportive environment for residents in line with Catholic Healthcare’s Inspirit model of care.
Catholic Healthcare Board Chair Stephen Teulan said the turning of the sod marked an important milestone in the evolution of one of Western Sydney’s most cherished senior living communities.
‘Today marks an exciting new chapter in the story of St Hedwig Village,’ Mr Teulan said.
‘For generations, this community has been a place of care, friendship and belonging. This redevelopment honours that legacy while creating a contemporary connected community that will support older people for generations to come.’
The turning of the sod ceremony brought together residents, community representatives, Catholic Healthcare leaders, project partners and government representatives, including The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Federal Member for McMahon, and Stephen Bali MP, Member for Blacktown.
The event also included a blessing by Very Rev Luis Fernando Montano VG EV PP, Vicar General for Social Welfare, Diocese of Parramatta.
Community, compassion and belonging at the heart of St Hedwig
Originally established by the German-speaking communities of St Raphael and St Christophorus, St Hedwig Village has long been recognised for its strong sense of community, compassion and belonging. Those values continue to shape the redevelopment and will remain at the heart of the precinct for future generations.
Catholic Healthcare CEO Josh McFarlane said the redevelopment represents the organisation’s vision for the future of ageing.
‘Connected communities are about creating places where people don’t just live, they belong,’ Mr McFarlane said.
‘St Hedwig Village will provide older people with greater choice, high-quality care and the confidence to remain connected to the community they know and love as their needs change over time.’
Creating Connected Communities
The St Hedwig Village redevelopment forms part of Catholic Healthcare’s broader Connected Communities strategy, with the organisation investing more than $600 million over five years to develop integrated retirement living, residential aged care, wellness and community precincts across New South Wales.
Construction of the final stage will be delivered by Lipman, with Catholic Healthcare continuing to work closely with residents, neighbours and stakeholders throughout the development.
Once complete, St Hedwig Village will provide contemporary retirement living, a modern residential aged care home and welcoming community spaces that will continue the site’s proud legacy of supporting older people in Western Sydney for generations to come.
To learn more about St Hedwig Village or to register your interest in retirement living, visit www.sthedwig.com.au