Things are abuzz with activity in a new village in the Southern Highlands.
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A new general store, post office, hair salon, cafe, restaurant, and a library have opened in the town square of this village.
Meanwhile, an activity centre and refurbishment of individual residences are on the way and expected to be completed by Christmas 2021.
And the residents and staff alike are singing the praises of all that is on offer.
Where, may you ask is this village?
The answer is it is located within Harbison at Moss Vale.
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Complete with areas named in line with various locations found across the Southern Highlands - including Burradoo, Avoca, Berrima and Alpine - the clever development at Harbison aims to provide a sense of supportive environment and quality of life for its residents.
It is an approach that is especially supportive of the needs of those residents living with dementia.
The sense of familiarity and connection continues with the name 'Three Cows Cafe' in recognition of the three Galloway cows which live at Harbison in a paddock behind the Moss Vale residence.
The driving force behind the concept is Harbison CEO David Cochran, who has a focus on reinvesting funds raised by the community-owned organisation for the benefit of current and future residents.
The project is being carried out in three stages at a total cost of more than $5million.
Stage one and two are already completed.
Harbison's residential services manager Danny Turner said the village-style refurbishment began in December 2019 and was intended to create a sense of community without the need to even step outside the village.
He said the importance of the design concept was highlighted at the height of the COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020 when residents were unable to leave the village.
Construction has been overseen by Moss-Vale based company KELA Building Group led by director James Lawson.
Meanwhile, personal care manager Rebecca Glover has been a strong advocate for the new facilities ensuring that they tick all the boxes as far as meeting the needs of residents.
Mr Turner said that stage one included the construction of a new commercial kitchen, laundry and a significant upgrade of the technology within the building.
He said the kitchen design allowed for residents to have direct access to staff to discuss meal options and needs.
The recently completed stage two has included the construction of a restaurant dining room, the Three Cows Cafe, and the Drawing Room which can be booked by residents for special occasions such as dinner with their family.
A library, general store, post office, a doctor treatment and consulting room and hair salon are also featured in stage two.
Mr Turner said the refurbishment aimed to provide residents with a sense of "life as they knew it in the outside world."
He said that direction signposts were specially designed featuring words and pictures to support wayfinding for residents living with dementia.
"We have also enlisted the expertise of a professional chef, to oversee the restaurant and cafe," he said.
That chef is Justin Woodward, who has worked at various dining outlets in the Southern Highlands. He is leading a team focused on providing a menu and service that would be enjoyed in other cafes and restaurants in the broader community.
"We want our residents to have a supportive experience that they had enjoyed in the community," Mr Turner said.
"The food used to be trolleyed out but now residents and their guests can enjoy the full hotel restaurant experience with table service."
Meanwhile, speakers situated throughout allow for residents to have their favourite tunes playing while they dine, catch up with family and friends, or even get their hair done.
"It is an ideal set up during COVID-times as it provides residents with an outlet without the need to leave the premises."
The third and final stage will include a refurbishment of accommodation as well as provisions for outdoor activities including a barbecue area and alfresco dining.
The development so far has been well received by residents.
One resident, Heather, who has lived at Harbison Moss Vale since January 2019, said she loved the new facilities.
"It is a boost to everyone and a great place to meet up with family," she said.
"Everyone is different but I feel this environment helps people cope better, especially during COVID.
"It is beautiful in here and a great place to sit down and enjoy time with family and friends."
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