While it was not officially opened until April 11 2008, residents began moving in in mid 2007.

Two years on, the facility has been transformed into a warm and welcoming environment that residents can call their home.

Manager Jo Simmonds said staff have spent the past 24 months attempting to establish a new culture.

''A lot of aged care facilities are very clinical in appearance. We are trying to steer away from that,'' Mrs Simmonds said.

''We want residents to feel at home while they are here and we have been doing a lot of work to make this `Our Home at Lowe Street'.

Residents are encouraged to bring their own belongings to the facility and add personal touches to their single or double bedrooms.

They are also provided with a large range of aged care programs and services including music therapy, exercise and games and support groups, which help them stay connected to the community.

The environmentally sustainable design of 70 Lowe Street has proved a valuable feature and allows a comfortable temperature to be maintained year round.

''I have only been in this role since January but the benefits of the design are quite evident,'' Mrs Simmonds said.

''All the bedrooms have large windows that let in plenty of natural light and the sky lights help to create a bright, welcoming environment.''

With the assistance of the Lowe Street Auxiliary, management has been making improvements both internally and externally.

The main sitting room was recently refurbished to create a more homely atmosphere and the old furniture was replaced by sideboards, book cases and coffee tables donated by the auxiliary.

''We are incredibly lucky to have such an active and hardworking auxiliary,'' Mrs Simmonds said.

''We rely on them for a huge amount of things and they have helped to get the facility to where it is today.''

The gardens at 70 Lowe Street have also been transformed over the past two years, boasting green lawns and a new rose arbour.