Blue Care’s Azure Blue Carina officially opens

His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, Governor of Queensland, officially opened Azure Blue Carina with UnitingCare Queensland chief executive, Anne Cross, and about 60 guests.

The $77 million village integrates retirement living, residential aged care and allied health services on the one site. It was developed by Blue Care, in collaboration with builders Cockram Constructions and architect Merrin & Cranston Architects.

Blue Care executive director, Robyn Batten, says it is an exciting time for the community.

“Azure Blue Carina offers residents and clients a welcoming, relaxing community village and a leading edge working environment for more than 140 staff and volunteers,” she says.

“Our aim was to provide safe and secure independent living options to retirees wanting an improved lifestyle where they can age in place, close to their social networks and recreational interests.

“I believe we have achieved that. The village comprises 98 stylish independent living units and villas, where resident amenities include a heated swimming pool, café, library, function room, media room, children’s playground and village bus.”

The 128 bed Blue Care Carina Aged Care Facility and Blue Care’s allied health community care services complete the village.

Residents first began moving onsite in March. Among them were Joan and Bruce Hughes who says they enjoyed the peace of mind in knowing care was on site should it be needed down the track.

“To us, the friendship and assistance at Azure Blue is exceptional,” Mr Hughes says.

Mrs Hughes agreed, stating they were at first hesitant about making a big lifestyle change, and after moving in they felt blessed to be part of the community.

Azure Blue Carina is located at 455 Richmond Road, Carina. The community is surrounded by natural bushland and still only a 20 minute drive to the heart of Brisbane city.

The community received national acclaim last month with builder Cockram Construction winning a Master Builders of Australia 2014 National Excellence in Building and Construction award. Blue Care was also listed as a finalist for Seniors Living in the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Queensland Awards for Excellence.

Blue Care offers another Azure Blue community at Redcliffe.

Azure Blue’s design complements Blue Care’s future approach to services, where services are tailor made to individuals’ needs, and are flexible as people’s circumstances and requirements change.