Our History

The need for a retirement Hostel in Boorowa was first discussed in early 1988 and in December of that year, a Public Meeting was first held to discuss the project.

From that meeting an expression of interest within the community was sort in early 1989. A committee was formed and over the course of the next two years this committee set about developing a plan to raise enough funds and interest to proceed with the project. The organisation was and is still known as Boorowa Hostel Incorporated.

In February 1991, initial tenders were called for the construction of the Aged Care Hostel, however it was evident that there was a significant shortfall of funds required to advance the project.

Construction was delayed to raise funds, but later that year, a commonwealth grant of $448712 was provided for the construction of a twelve bed Aged Care facility. Building contractors were appointed at a tender price of $499141 and the first sod was turned in June of 1992. Construction began in the following month and completed ahead of schedule in February 1993. One month later, the first residents made Burrowa House their home. The building was officially opened on July 31, 1993. The whole project cost in the vicinity of $700000 with the Boorowa community contributing over $100000. Other major contributors were the NSW government with $63000 and the Royal Freemasons Benevolent Institution with $30000.

In the early 2000’s, Boorowa Hostel Incorporated began to construct a number Villa’s which is now the village for over 55’s. The Hostel also operates four cottages for those low-income earners in need of Public Housing. The need for expansion of the Aged Care facility, Burrowa House, grew stronger and the Board began to petition and apply for grants to extend the building through the Commonwealth Government. In March of 2019 after several failed attempts to secure funding, Boorowa Hostel was finally successful in obtaining a grant for $765000 to help construct a new wing that would increase the Aged Care facility to twenty beds. With a projected cost of more than three million dollars, most of the remaining funds needed were raised through the efforts of the local community and in particular the Bendigo Bank. Local Business houses, Community service clubs, sporting clubs and many individuals played significant roles in raising the funds needed.

Early in 2020, construction of the new wing by Cercol P/L began with many local contractors involved in its development. Despite delays caused mainly through the Pandemic, the new wing was able to accept new residents as of July 2021, when the handover of the keys to the new wing took place. The final budget exceeded four million dollars but the benefit to the community is priceless.

Now in 2023, Boorowa Hostel has twenty beds fully occupied, and with our community demands for Aged Care accommodation increasing all the time, the discussion of further expansion is often raised.

Boorowa Hostel has adequate land to expand Burrowa House, However the cost to do this would be in the range of at least five to ten million dollars. However, from little things, big things grow and no doubt in future years, Burrowa House will continue to expand and provide continued services to the Community

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