Sunshine Coast's premier integrated campus turns one

The $32 million campus opened in February 2019, providing a resort-like destination complete with a residential aged care service, community care service, aquatic centre, community centre and café for the local community and residents to use in one location.

Churches of Christ in Queensland Chief Executive Officer Gary Edwards said the campus has surpassed expectations, contributing its successful first year to the local team.

"Little Mountain Campus has become a well-known name among Caloundra locals as an incredible one-stop-shop for recreation, health, and wellbeing.

"It caters to people and community groups of all ages and abilities by supporting them to reach their fitness goals, connect to their community, and provide local groups and businesses with a well- equipped community centre and auditorium,” Mr Edwards said.

Creating a vibrant community where young and old could interact and everyone felt welcome was paramount for the managers of the bustling site.

"It is a place where babies and children can grow their water confidence, elderly people can connect with their community, and for people whose family and friends are not nearby, they have access to a place where they can become part of a community and feel safe, secure and valued," Mr Edwards said.

Since opening, the café has served over 25,000 cups of coffee, the community centre has hosted a multitude of events, and local businesses and community groups have been able to connect and network.

At the thriving aquatic centre more than 300 children have enrolled in the popular learn-to-swim program, and over 400 people have signed up for lap swimming memberships.

"The Aquatic Centre has also been instrumental in breaking down social isolation among Sunshine Coast seniors'.

Over 200 seniors' have participated in the aquatic centre's low-cost aqua fitness classes, held in partnership with the Sunshine Coast Council, every Monday and Wednesday," Mr Edwards said.

The Community Care office located onsite serves as the regional base for staff who support seniors' on the Sunshine Coast to continue to live independently in their home.

The facilities at the campus have been designed to support people and their families to remain close and involved with the people who matter most to them.

Little Mountain Aged Care Service inside the campus took inspiration from the Sunshine Coast's natural beauty. Sustainability and functionality also meet to create an environment that is welcoming and a place where residents simply love to be.

In November, the innovative service was recognised as a finalist in the 'Seniors' Living' category at the Urban Development Institute of Australia Queensland Awards.

Little Mountain Aged Care Service facilitates living life to the full. The service meets the needs of a wide range of residents and offers services that include respite, dementia and palliative care.

The service is equipped with assistive technologies, a sensory garden tailored to the five senses to trigger memory responses, and maximises use of outdoor spaces. The state-of-the-art seniors' gym also provides residents and community care clients a safe location to build their physical and mental wellbeing.