Ararat Retirement Village - also known as Gorrinn House - is marking 50 years of service to the community.
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The village has designed a display that showcases its history right back to when it was still a blueprint.
The display includes photographs, planning documents and newspaper clippings.
The retirement home was about five years in the planning before it opened in January 1970, chief executive Robyn Woods-Gebler said.
"In December 1965 the Ambulatory Homes Society was formed for the purpose of setting up a retirement village for Ararat, following a suggestion which originated with the Rotary Club," Ms Woods-Gebler said.
"They felt there was a need to bridge the gap between private living arrangements and the full care of Pyrenees House Nursing Home.
"In 1966 a site was reserved. Architects were appointed in 1967 and a public appeal to raise $50,000 was launched.
"In 1968 the federal government approved a $120,000 grant for the 25 room hostel as well as four cottages for foundation donors. Another four cottages were built in 1969."
The village was then opened and immediately attracted residents.
An edition of The Ararat Advertiser dated January 29, 1907 described the village as a "hive of activity" upon opening.
"At the time of opening there were 25 hostel residents and eight cottages, which were all occupied," Ms Woods-Gebler said.
"On June 25, 1970, the Ararat Retirement Village was opened by the then Minister for Social Services, Mr WC Wentworth MHR. Between 1979 and 2009 more units were built.
"The old hostel was replaced by a brand new 60 bed nursing home and 22 of the original cottages were demolished and replaced with 22 new bedroom units."
The anniversary celebrations will continue throughout the year, Ms Woods-Gebler said.
"These have commenced in March with a display in the foyer of the William Bryant Community Centre of documents detailing the beginning, then moving through a timeline to the current day," she said.
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