VMCH turns first sod at St Francis retirement living community

VMCH has celebrated the official start of construction on St Francis, a $150 million retirement living community in East Ivanhoe, with a sod turning ceremony on Friday 18 September.

The development will deliver 57 premium residences overlooking Ivanhoe Park, together with a range of resident amenities including a swimming pool, gymnasium, cinema, library and entertainment hub, further strengthening VMCH's retirement living presence in Melbourne's inner east.

Around 50 guests gathered to celebrate the milestone, including representatives from project builder Hacer Group, the VMCH Board and Executive, the Catholic Development Fund (CDF), the Property Council of Australia’s Executive Director Retirement Living, Daniel Gannon, and the Hon. Anthony Carbines, State Member for Ivanhoe. The event was also an opportunity to welcome residents who have already chosen to call St Francis home, following a sales launch in August.

L-R: Vin Sammartino, Director, Hacer Group, John McClusky, CEO, Catholic Development Fund, Julien O’Connell AO, VMCH Board Chairman, Sonya Smart, VMCH Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Anthony Carbines, Member for Ivanhoe

VMCH Chief Executive Officer Sonya Smart said the milestone marked the culmination of years of planning and an exciting new chapter for future residents.

"It was wonderful to celebrate this milestone alongside our Board members, community representatives, project partners and, most importantly, the residents who have already placed their trust in St Francis as their future home,” Ms Smart said.

"St Francis has been carefully designed to help people stay connected to the communities they know and love while enjoying a home that supports them to live well in later life."

Ms Smart said VMCH was pleased to continue its partnership with Hacer Group, following the successful completion of St Clare, VMCH's luxury retirement living community in nearby Kew.

Hacer Group Director of Business Development Vin Sammartino acknowledged the strength of the collaboration.

“Together, we set a high benchmark for retirement living with St. Clare, and it’s incredibly rewarding to build on that success here with the same project partners. That ongoing trust means a great deal to us, and we’re committed to delivering a community that every future resident will be proud to call home.”

Named after St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint known for his humility, service and care for creation, the development reflects many of the values that underpin VMCH's work, including community, dignity and care for others. The milestone is particularly meaningful in 2026, as the Catholic Church marks a special Jubilee Year commemorating the 800th anniversary of St Francis of Assisi's death.

As a for-purpose organisation, St Francis will help support VMCH's broader work across Victoria, including affordable and social housing for people on low incomes.

Construction on St. Francis is expected to be completed in mid-2028. To learn more, visit stfrancis.vmch.com.au