Posted: April 6, 2011

One of the Southern Highlands’ leading retirement communities is about to enter a new era.

Henley Brae in Mittagong is being acquired by Living Care, an organisation that has been providing retirement living and aged care services for over 70 years.

Living Care is a Ministry of Churches of Christ and operates six retirement villages, in home care services and eleven residential aged care facilities across New South Wales, as well as having an established presence in the Southern Highlands through its church in Bowral.

Executive Director of Living Care, Graham Reed, says his organisation was attracted to Henley Brae not only because of its great location but particularly because of the shared values of the Village’s current operators, The Blissett Group.

“As a senior’s living organisation, we believe we are responsible for providing care that promotes the physical, social, emotional and spiritual well being of every individual in our care. It is obvious to us that this is the same approach that Kathryn and Matthew Blissett have adopted in the process of establishing Henley Brae as an outstanding Southern Highlands retirement community.”

Co-founder of The Blissett Group, Kathryn Blissett, said they were highly conscious of ensuring Henley Brae remained in the hands of operators who shared their vision for retirement living in the local area.

“From the beginning, quality of life for Henley Brae’s residents has been our utmost concern. As the village has developed, we are proud of what we have achieved and the way in which Henley Brae has become recognised as such a wonderful place to live. We have no doubt that Living Care will not only maintain, but continue to enhance this quality of life for those who live there, well into the future.”

Mr Reed said the acquisition of Henley Brae aligned with Living Care’s commitment to providing services for people over 65, particularly in areas such as the Southern Highlands. 

“Living Care has been involved in aged care since 1938 and we have always recognised the need for the provision of exceptional care for our population as they age. This need is increasing and we are expanding what we do accordingly.”

Mr Reed also said Living Care will look to build on Henley Brae’s excellent reputation in the local community.

“Our aim is to retain current staff and current contracts with local businesses.”
“The village is in an excellent location given the proximity to local shopping and transport and as there is some room for expansion on vacant land within the village, we will be investigating the feasibility of adding more villas in the near future.”

Mrs Blissett said The Blissett Group will remain as part of aged care in the Southern Highlands through its Anthem Care Community in Retford Road in Bowral.  She also believes Henley Brae is in good hands for the future. 

“This has not been an easy decision for us.  Matthew and I created Henley Brae and we are very proud of what it has become. We have always been very hands-on in the day to day running of the village and the Henley Brae residents have become like family to us. As a family we believe that now is the time to move on and we feel very comfortable with the vision that Living Care has for Henley Brae’s future.”