One of the region's most iconic institutions marked a milestone with the official opening on its newest building.
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Maitland Benevolent Society chairman Bob Geoghegan, along with fellow board members, hosted the official opening of the Benhome Board Building on Monday.
Mr Geoghegan said the event symbolised an important milestone in the aged care village's history.
"Creating places for people to live and be cared for is not about bricks and mortar. It is about understanding the needs of our community now and into the future.
"We are very proud of what has been created in Maitland for local people."
The $18 million capital works included a complete refurbishment of the Eichholzer and Ribee Wings, a new front entrance, new kitchen and laundry facilities as well as the addiction of 24 new residents rooms.
In April, the board announced the sale of Benhome to Royal Freemasons' Benevolent Institution (RFBI).
"We are very proud of what we have built and we are very excited about its new place within the RFBI's network of aged care services," Mr Geoghegan said.
"We felt their ethos and culture was very much aligned to us."
The ceremony was officiated by Senator Arthur Sinodinos, who paid tribute to the contribution of Mr Geoghegan.
Mr Sinodinos also spoke about the importance of aged care in Australia, and praised the Benhome facility.
"High care has become more prevalent," he said.
"The ethos of this place is a caring ethos ... Putting its residents at the centre of everything."
