253 Tenth Street
Mildura Victoria 3500

Basking in Mildura's enviable Mediterranean climate, Regis Sunraysia is every bit a continuation of the delightful country community which surrounds it.

The location and the weather may be wonderful, but it's our people who make the place. Most are local to the area so bonds are especially strong. Sunraysia's camaraderie is the result of lifelong friendships, family connections and community ties which go back generations.

In a lot of cases, we're now caring for the children of Sunraysia's original residents who many of our long-serving staff remember well. This lineage includes members of individual families; brothers and sisters, mothers and daughters. We even have the children of original staff members working with us today.

The recently refurbished and extended facility is surrounded by beautiful gardens, which set the scene for plenty of outdoor activities enjoyed by residents. Especially popular are get-togethers in our four courtyards like the spectacular wisteria courtyard - always a vivid picture of purple blooms in summer.

Roses grow beautifully in our climate and gorgeous blooms line the walkway entrance, with each chosen individually by residents. In another courtyard is an aviary full of pretty, very vocal Peach-faced Parrots. This inclusion was, like so many, the bright idea of our residents. The happy little birds are a source of constant frustration to our extremely spoilt resident cat, who certainly doesn't want for food!

We also have a visiting dog program, which is always a wonderful ice-breaker for new residents. Not that many need it. Rarely do we show a new resident around without them bumping into someone here they already know. In fact, it's the personal connections between residents and staff, and the close relationship we have with the wider Mildura community, which create such a pleasing dynamic at Sunraysia.

Many of our volunteers previously had family members living with us, and enjoy maintaining their relationship with the place by helping residents with activities. These include organising bingo every Friday and sharing outdoor 'pies and beer' lunches with our male residents.

Sunraysia welcomes all visitors, and happily provides meals for partners who are still living in the community. We believe it's extremely important that we make them feel at home here as well. And who wouldn't feel welcome when there are spectacular CWA-style afternoon teas created by our dedicated chef, cream puffs and all?

Sunraysia's biggest function is our Christmas party. Over 300 people attend every year, including our 80 plus residents, and extending across four or five generations.

Of course the community comes to us too. Singing and RSL groups give concert performances and school children spend one on one time with our residents. Mildura people simply can't wait to help us.

A classic example of this is our monthly lunch outing to one of the nearby resorts where the chef's trip over themselves to cook favourite treats for our residents, whether they're on the menu or not.

On these occasions, even the journey to and from Sunraysia is fun. Picture a conga line of wheelchairs parading down the street in the sunshine, accompanied by partners, families, friends and staff. As well as these lunches, our calendar of outings includes the Mildura Country Music Festival, the annual show plus plenty of afternoon teas in smaller groups.

We place considerable emphasis on music especially because one of our staff is an excellent pianist and is always satisfying requests to play for sing-alongs. Sunraysia also runs a special Spark of Life program for our residents with dementia. A recent addition to this program is our Wii Fit interactive computer game. The most popular games are boxing and bowls - two extremes, and a source of absolute hilarity for everyone.

Sunraysia residents are also able to take advantage of the following services on offer:

• regular church service
• on-site hairdressing and beauty therapy
• visiting library service
• volunteer program
• experienced in-house chef and catering staff
• special dietary requirements met

Residents receive all the benefits of the Regis Group's living care model of responsive support provided by leading professionals and tailored to individual medical, cultural and religious preferences.

Regis Sunraysia at a glance

Care Types Offered: High Care, Respite Care
No of Beds: 81
Rooms: Single with en suite; Double with en suite and Group Rooms
Transport: Walking distance to public transport
Parking: On-site and street parking
Visiting hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week

For more information on this residence or to book a full tour of the facility call us on 1300 998 100 or email advice@regis.com.au