The world-renowned opera singer and Indigenous rights advocate was present at the official opening of the village in the seaside town, 98km southwest of Melbourne's CBD, which when complete will have 145 villas, 53 serviced apartments and 120 care beds.   

Deborah was “honoured” to have joined the list of influential Australians to have a Ryman village named after them, including Weary Dunlop, Nellie Melba, John Flynn, and Raelene Boyle. Raelene attended the black-tie official opening of Deborah Cheetham Retirement Village. 

The design of the new village is inspired by Deborah’s vision to represent the facility’s connection to First Nations country and culture. Sarrita King, contemporary Australian Indigenous artist, was commissioned to design various artworks throughout the village and a hand tufted rug greeting people in the village’s reception area.  

Ryman Healthcare Australia CEO Cam Holland said it was an honour to have Deborah Cheetham join the pantheon of great Australians the company has named its villages after.  

“Every older Australia deserves the opportunity to live their life to the fullest, and have care and support easily accessible if they need it down the track. With Deborah’s support, we’ve created a village that will provide exactly that,” he said.     

There are six operational villages in Victoria: Nellie Melba in Brandon Park, John Flynn in Burwood East, Charles Brownlow in Geelong, Deborah Cheetham in Ocean Grove, Raelene Boyle in Aberfeldie, 9km northwest of Melbourne's CBD, and Essendon Terrace in Essendon, 8km northwest of Melbourne's CBD. It has six more sites at various stages of the planning, design and construction process in Ringwood East, Mulgrave, Highett, Essendon, Kealba, and Coburg North. 

Construction has been stopped at Ringwood East. 

Browse the retirement homes and villages at villages.com.au