Goodbye Sherwin Lodge
For over 60 years, the title, Sherwin Lodge, has been used to identify the Seventh-day Adventist Church's ministry to retirees. This included the retirement village, the hostel (Sherwin) and the nursing home (Freeman). Predominately, Adventist retirees relocated to Rossmoyne, into modest cottages, to enjoy a quiet existence during their final chapter of life. For some the move was into full time care, if that better met their needs.
Sherwin Lodge (the 'hostel') provided a comfortable residence where seniors received support equivalent to government-funded home care. Seniors who required more demanding care were admitted into the Freeman Nursing Home (the 'hospital').
This range of accommodation served that era well, and consequently Sherwin Lodge attracted a very positive reputation. Within the village, the cottages were adequate and well-spaced providing great opportunities for those with green thumbs. All of the original facilities met the expectations of their patrons. Sherwin Lodge was the place where seniors went to enjoy restful peace after a life of toil and service.
The grandeur of Sherwin Lodge, in earlier decades, gradually lost its lustre as facilities aged and expectations grew. With greater consumer demands, and decreased economies of scale, Sherwin Lodge, became less able to meet modern needs. Similar could be said for the village’s accommodation options.
Today, many of the original cottages have been replaced by villas and multistorey apartment towers that are more conducive to increased population density. These new facilities provided a variety of accommodation opportunities at a range of price points. For example, where there were once 16 cottages, today 86 apartments and common amenities stand. New constructs have delivered an array of lifestyle amenities for all residents to enjoy. The pleasing and heightened popularity of this modern retirement destination could not have been envisioned 60 years ago. The retired lineup to enter Rossmoyne Waters, to live with enthusiasm and purpose.
The last of the original care facilities have just been replaced. Sherwin Lodge and Freeman Nursing Home are now just memories of a past era.
A new residential aged care facility, named Arrana, now provides accommodation for those residents who transferred from Sherwin. Arrana, an Indigenous Australian word meaning ‘mine’, is designed and equipped with the most advanced technology to meet the demands of high care services. Arrana is well-placed to outperform Sherwin and Freeman and deliver exceptional care with rewarding experiences for residents in the coming decades.
In addition to Arrana, Adventist Care’s latest redevelopment also includes an additional 65 apartments for retirees, lifestyle amenities for resident pleasure, a new chapel and company headquarters. Consulting rooms for visiting health specialists have also been included to enhance the value of living at Rossmoyne Waters.
Married doctors, Thomas Sherwin and Margherita Freemen, who successfully lobbied the Western Australian Conference to establish Sherwin Lodge, would not recognise the modern Rossmoyne property. While it has changed significantly, the original mission of Adventist Care has remained. Adventist Care continues to provide quality services, wrapped in Christian values, and delivered in a supportive community that reflects God’s love. The new constructions at Rossmoyne Waters are catching the attention of retirees who seek a rewarding and happy retirement. However, once on site, the magnetism of the aesthetic facilities is eclipsed by the joy, friendship and security available at this special community - Rossmoyne Waters.
A further construction stage is now in planning. Stage 3 will be the final major redevelopment plan, delivering more accommodation options and an attractive Village Green. This landscaped parkland will entice residents and their visitors outdoors to enjoy the beautiful seasons of Perth’s climate.
The essence of Rossmoyne Waters is fuelled by an overt sense of hope and encouragement, based upon the good news of a loving Saviour. Christians, from many faith backgrounds, now live at Rossmoyne Waters. Together they contribute to this wonderful, positive and caring community, supporting each other as they write their final chapters amongst friends.
Stage 2 of the Rossmoyne Waters Redevelopment Plan will be officially opened on 27 July, 2025.
