Mercy Place Rice Village celebrates 20 years

Mercy Place Rice Village has celebrated its 20th anniversary with residents, staff and families coming together to commemorate the history of the home and acknowledge all who have been part of the Rice Village community.

Celebrations on Thursday 12 May thanked staff, volunteers and residents and recognised the generous donation made by the Rice family that helped establish the home twenty years ago.

The site in Marshall was initially home to the family-run Racecourse Hotel, and after taking over the business from their parents and running the establishment until 1959, Hannah and Kathleen Rice lived in the hotel until their passing.

In their Will, the sisters donated all of their money, the Hotel and 10 acres of land to the Roman Catholic Trusts Corporation, to help establish a rest home for ladies in need. As a mark of respect and gratitude, the aged care residence was named after the Rice family.

Mercy Health Chief Executive Aged and Community Care Kevin Mercer said the 20th anniversary was an opportunity to remember the generosity of the Rice family, and celebrate the strong sense of community fostered at Mercy Place Rice Village during the last two decades.

“We had members of the Rice family join us at our celebration last week, and we were glad we could share the experience with them and demonstrate what has been achieved with their generosity,” Mr Mercer said.

“Mercy Health is proud to celebrate this important milestone in Rice Village’s history, and the contribution of the aged care residence to the wider Geelong community.”

As part of the celebrations, Mercy Place Rice Village launched Tot’s Garden, named after Hannah Rice. It was established after the residence was one of 10 aged care homes in Victoria to receive a $5,000 grant from the Maggie Beer Foundation.

“We were excited to launch Tot’s Garden and give residents, their families and staff the chance to walk through the new space. Students from Grovedale Primary School have also been working hard to help prepare the new garden, and implement the integration experience,” Mr Mercer said.

Mercy Place Rice Village is home to 92 residential residents and 73 independent living units.