An on-campus aged care facility will be built at the University of Canberra.
The intergenerational facility will be located on the university’s Bruce campus, close to its health and hospital hubs. It will operate under a 100-year lease agreement with Opal Healthcare and Partier Property Development. The development will include 230 independent living units, a 180-bed aged care facility, community wellness facilities and an extension to the university’s health precinct.
It will be only the second facility of its kind in Australia. This signals a growing shift toward combining education, research and aged care. The University of Wollongong has previously announced a similar initiative, although it is yet to open. Australia’s ageing population is increasing demand for aged care workers. As a result, universities are now playing a stronger role in training and preparing the future workforce.
So, what does this mean for students — and what are the broader benefits for aged care in Australia?
What does this mean for students?
Student nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists will be able to apply for jobs, placements and hands-on learning opportunities at the facility. When it opens—estimated between 2031 and 2035—it is expected to generate around 230 new jobs. It will provide valuable pathways for students to enter the workforce while gaining real-world experience in a supportive teaching environment.
These initiatives will give students practical training and exposure to emerging models of care.
They will also allow students to work with experienced health professionals in a modern, purpose-built environment. The facility has been designed to reflect real-world industry expectations.
What are the benefits for residents?
Bill Shorten is the University of Canberra’s vice-chancellor. He says residents will benefit from being able to be part of campus life and being surrounded by young people. According to Mr Shorten, the environment is expected to support social connection, wellbeing and mental stimulation. These are vital contributors to quality of life in older Australians.
“This project will create a living and learning environment where older Australians can stay engaged, active and connected – not only with health services, but with ideas, students, and the ¬vibrant university campus life,’’ he said at the project launch on Tuesday.
“It will create a benchmark for intergenerational living on university campuses, one which I hope will be replicated across the country in years to come.
“The residents, in a very short walk, can be in university life, so they can go have their coffee next to young people, they can go and see what the university is doing, there will be a retail centre and … home care services.’’
He added that the project was ‘visionary’ and had been years in the making. Construction is hoped to begin within the next two years.
As Australia’s population ages and aged care models evolve, demand for qualified workers continues to grow. Innovative projects like this intergenerational facility highlight the need for skilled professionals who can provide high-quality care, collaborate across disciplines and adapt to new ways of supporting older Australians. There is currently a national workforce shortage in aged care, along with a renewed focus on education and practical training. This makes it an ideal time to pursue a career in the sector.
Are you looking for a new career? Aged Care Resumes can help. We are pleased to offer various services including our resume writing service and cover letter writing service to support your next step into the aged care sector.
Article References
Bita, N (26 November 2025) ‘Canberra’s first on-campus retirement community to create hundreds of student jobs’, The Australian, accessed 27 November 2025.
Fenwicke, C (26 November 2025) ‘University of Canberra campus to host ‘visionary’ intergenerational retirement community’, Region Canberra, accessed 27 November 2025.