Our Story
Early beginnings
The vision for Boandik Lodge began in 1949 when the Old Aged, Invalid and Widow’s Pension Association approached the Mount Gambier City Council to discuss the need for local aged care services.
By 1952, public meetings and funding, championed by Councillor AF Sutton, laid the foundations for what would become Boandik.
In 1956 the Mount Gambier Old Folks Home opened its doors, initially accommodating six men and six women. Three years later, in 1959, the home was re-named “Boandik Lodge” in honour of the Boandik people who lived in the region at the time of European settlement.
Historical photographs reproduced with acknowledgment to the State Library of South Australia and the Arthur Family Photographic collection. Full reference details are provided when each image is opened.
Growing with the community
Seventy years on, Boandik has grown into a well-respected, community-owned organisation dedicated to supporting older people through a full continuum of care.
Today, Boandik provides retirement living, community and home care services, residential and respite accommodation; a breadth of service unmatched among other aged-care providers in the Limestone Coast region.
Within the township of Mount Gambier, Boandik operates three residential aged-care homes; Lake Terrace, St Mary’s and Crouch Street collectively caring for around 214 older people. Plans to expand Lake Terrace are well underway, with an additional eleven beds.
Supporting independence
Boandik’s Community Care Program supports approximately 140 Home Care Package participants and around 600 Community Home Support Program (CHSP) participants, enabling older people to remain independent in their own homes for longer.
At our Lake Terrace site, there are 36 Independent Living Units, offering a mix of affordable rental and licence-to-occupy accommodation options, all of which are currently occupied and in high demand.
Community-owned, locally governed
Boandik is also a significant regional employer, with more than 450 staff working across 16 Limestone Coast communities. The organisation remains community-owned and governed by our Board of Directors, maintaining its long-standing commitment to quality, compassion and care for older Australians.
