Relaxed country living meets convenience, comfort and community at the School House Retirement Living Village.

Set amongst award-winning gardens and surrounding a beautifully restored 1880s school house, mecwacare’s School House Retirement Village in Maryborough offers independent living for over 55s in the heart of country Victoria.

Comprising 44 homes, our village provides the perfect balance—small enough to know your neighbours personally, yet large enough to build lasting and meaningful friendships. The village layout encourages connection while still offering the privacy and comfort that residents value, creating an atmosphere where people feel both secure and part of a warm, supportive community.

Mecwacare Retirement Villages Guide

Reviewed by: Villages.com.au Editorial Team
Last Updated: July 2026

Mecwacare is a Victorian not for profit provider of retirement living, home care and residential aged care. With retirement villages located across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, the organisation offers independent living communities designed to help older Australians enjoy an active, low maintenance lifestyle while remaining connected to support services if their needs change.

About Mecwacare

Founded in 1959 by a group of returned servicemen, Mecwacare has grown into one of Victoria's largest not for profit aged care organisations. While it is widely recognised for residential aged care and home care services, retirement living is an important part of its offering, with villages located across a range of metropolitan and regional communities.

Mecwacare's retirement villages are designed for independent retirees who want to downsize without sacrificing privacy or community. Residents enjoy their own homes within professionally managed villages that encourage social connection while allowing them to maintain their independence.

Quick Facts

Why People Choose Mecwacare

Many retirees choose Mecwacare because it combines independent retirement living with the experience of a long established not for profit provider. The organisation has supported older Australians for more than six decades and continues to invest in services that promote independence, wellbeing and community connection.

Another advantage is the range of locations available. Mecwacare villages are situated across Melbourne and regional Victoria, allowing many residents to remain close to family, friends and familiar neighbourhoods after downsizing.

For people planning ahead, Mecwacare also provides home care and residential aged care services. While retirement village residents are not guaranteed access to these services, many people appreciate choosing an organisation that supports older Australians across multiple stages of ageing.

Retirement Living

Mecwacare retirement villages are designed for people seeking an independent, low maintenance lifestyle in a welcoming community.

Accommodation varies between villages and may include villas, units and retirement apartments. Homes are designed to be comfortable and practical, helping residents enjoy everyday independence while reducing the maintenance associated with a traditional family home.

Community life is an important part of the retirement experience. Shared facilities, resident activities and communal spaces provide opportunities to build friendships, remain active and participate in village life while still enjoying the privacy of your own home.

Facilities vary between villages but may include community centres, landscaped gardens, libraries, BBQ areas and recreational spaces.

Care & Support Services

In addition to retirement living, Mecwacare provides a comprehensive range of aged care services throughout Victoria.

These include home care, residential aged care, respite care, dementia care, palliative care and allied health services. Eligible retirement village residents may be able to access home care while continuing to live independently, depending on individual circumstances and service availability.

Services

Locations

Mecwacare retirement villages are located across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

What Makes Mecwacare Different?

Mecwacare stands out because it combines retirement living with a broad range of aged care and community services. While retirement villages focus on independent living, residents have the reassurance of choosing an organisation with extensive experience supporting older Australians across many stages of ageing.

As a not for profit provider, Mecwacare reinvests into its services, communities and facilities rather than distributing profits to shareholders. This long term approach appeals to retirees seeking an established provider with a strong reputation for care and community engagement.

Another point of difference is the variety of village locations. From inner Melbourne to regional Victoria, Mecwacare offers communities suited to different lifestyles and preferences.

Accommodation Options

Accommodation varies between communities and may include:

• One bedroom units.

• Two bedroom units.

• Independent living villas.

• Retirement apartments.

• Accessible home designs.

• Private outdoor spaces in selected communities.

Available homes differ between villages and resale opportunities become available throughout the year.

Costs & Fees

The cost of living in a Mecwacare retirement village varies according to the community, home type and retirement village contract.

Before making a decision, prospective residents should request information about:

• Purchase or entry price.

• Ongoing village fees.

• Deferred management or exit fees.

• Contract arrangements.

• Maintenance responsibilities.

Understanding these costs before signing a contract will help you compare retirement village options and make an informed financial decision.

Who Is Mecwacare Best Suited For?

Mecwacare may suit people who:

• Want an independent retirement lifestyle.

• Prefer a not for profit provider.

• Value established communities with a strong reputation.

• Want to remain living in Melbourne or regional Victoria.

• Appreciate access to home care services if required.

• Enjoy community activities while maintaining their independence.

What Should Consumers Consider?

Every retirement village offers a different mix of accommodation, facilities and financial arrangements.

Before choosing a Mecwacare village, compare the available homes, location, community atmosphere and ongoing costs. Visiting the village, speaking with residents and reviewing the contract documentation carefully will help you determine whether the community is right for your lifestyle and budget.

If future care needs are important to you, ask how home care services can be accessed while living independently and what support options are available within your local area.

How to Enquire

The best way to learn more about Mecwacare retirement villages is to arrange a personal inspection.

A village tour allows you to inspect available homes, explore the community facilities, discuss village fees and contract arrangements, and experience the atmosphere before making a decision.

View all villages and aged care facilities of Mecwacare