St Nicholas was built by The Greek Ladies Philoptochos Society of Saint George that was established in 1959. The Foundation President was the Very Reverend Father Gregory Sakelariou. After extensive fundraising their dream to care for the aged and frail of our community, came true. The Greek Ladies Philoptochos continue to this day to fundraise for St Nicholas so that residents may receive the best of care and service.
About Us – Old
St Nicholas Nursing Home Ltd manages a 73 bed facility comprising of the 43 bed East Wing (formerly called the nursing home) and the 30 bed West Wing (formerly the Hostel) catering to the Greek elderly. The East Wing was built in 1981 and refurbished in 1995 and the extension completed in 2005 and the West Wing in 1992. Both are located on the one site and situated a few minutes from the city Centre.
Residents are predominantly from a Hellenic background however from time to time non-Greek residents reside at St Nicholas. The facility operates under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Church of St George and residents maintain strong spiritual links with the Church and the greater Greek community. An audio-visual link exists to the St George Church to enable residents to continue actively participating in spiritual life.
St Nicholas has strong links with the Greek community. Residents continue to participate in a variety of community activities and the community participates in life at St Nicholas. Religious and culturally significant events are celebrated at St Nicholas and the leaders of the Greek community participate in many of these celebrations.
The Board of Management of St Nicholas Aged Care actively embraces the commitment of excellence in culturally appropriate care and service provision to residents. Residents and their extended families vigorously participate in decision making at St Nicholas.
The non-nursing staff of St Nicholas Aged Care are predominantly of Greek background and speak both Greek and English. Nursing personnel consist of some Greek speaking staff however are predominantly of Australian or other backgrounds. Staff are selected on their sensitivity to the culture and ability to uphold the Greek values of elders as worthy, productive and respected members of the community.
St Nicholas provides a culturally appropriate service to residents. Care, diet, diversional therapy and human resource management encompass the need to meet resident’s cultural and linguistic needs. All staff learn a basic level of Greek language to build engagement between staff and residents and to enable resident needs to be met with greater safety and dignity. The staff development program includes cultural and language education.
Extended families are encouraged to continue caring for their relative and do so with varying levels of involvement.
Our Care Philosophy:
At St Nicholas, we believe that growing older should be a time of connection, meaning, and joy. That’s why we are embracing the Eden Alternative – a compassionate approach to care that gently shifts away from the routines of traditional aged care and instead focuses on creating a true sense of home.
This philosophy helps us build a nurturing environment where each person feels valued, heard, and respected. It encourages companionship, meaningful engagement, and the freedom to make everyday choices — all of which bring purpose and comfort to daily life.
Through this approach, we’re creating a place where laughter, warmth, and relationships are at the heart of everything we do. A place where residents, families, and staff walk alongside one another, sharing life’s journey together.
