AMAN Aged Care: Respect and dignity for our elders

It was my great pleasure to attend the official Open Day of AMAN Aged Care, the Lebanese Muslim Association’s multimillion-dollar facility located at 65 Dutton Street, Bankstown, in Sydney’s southwest on Tuesday 29 April.

The day marked a significant milestone not just for the LMA, but for our wider community – a moment that brought together religious leaders, community members, local business leaders and elected officials in recognition of a long-anticipated achievement.

Two information and inspection sessions were held during the day, both very well attended, reflecting the deep interest and support this project has attracted. 

The atmosphere was both celebratory and pensive, with speeches that highlighted the importance of looking after our elders with the dignity and respect they deserve.

A dedicated aged care facility has been on the drawing board of the LMA for almost 20 years.

It’s no secret that there have been several false starts, delays and bureaucratic hurdles over the years. 

But it’s now quite apparent that the current LMA directorship  – widely being referred to these days as the “new LMA” – and the board responsible for the purchase of the Dutton St location in 2022 and its subsequent upgrade, has brought a renewed energy, vision and commitment to seeing this project through to the end. 

During his address, LMA Secretary Gamel Kheir summed up the journey well, stating, “This project is almost two decades in the making and the ‘New LMA’ is very proud that we are now at the point that this beautiful facility is almost ready to accept residents.” 

He went on to thank both the NSW and Federal governments, as well as the Canterbury-Bankstown Council, headed by Mayor Bilal El-Hayek, for their support in helping bring this project to fruition.

As someone who has spent many years reporting on the Muslim community, one of the things I deeply admire about families is their determination to care for their aging parents at home. 

Even when aged care might offer more convenience, many go to great lengths to uphold the principle that our elders are best cared for by family. 

However, the reality is that not all families are in a position to provide the level of care some elderly members require, particularly those who need round-the-clock attention or specialised medical support. 

That’s where AMAN Aged Care comes in, offering a culturally and religiously appropriate solution for families facing these challenges. 

The superb 46-bed Bankstown complex spans over 6,000 square metres and offers both single and double room options. 

Its services are comprehensive: 24/7 clinical support, personal care, religious and spiritual guidance, hospitality tailored to cultural needs, dementia and memory care, palliative and end-of-life care, respite options and allied health and wellness services. 

Pharmacy services and health promotion are also part of the offering.

Importantly, this is more than just a facility. It’s a home, designed to maintain the comfort, independence and identity of each resident. 

The commitment to faith-based care ensures that Islamic values are honoured, while also welcoming residents from all backgrounds. 

As AMAN Aged Care Director Khaled Kamalmaz told AMUST, “The expected opening date in terms of taking residents is likely to be this coming August and we are currently taking expressions of interest through amancare.org.au”.

“The facility is open to people of all faiths however, we anticipate it will be a Muslim majority due to the cultural and religious appropriate services.”

The Open Day was graced by the presence of several key figures including Federal Education Minister Jason Clare, NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper, Mayor Bilal El-Hayek, LMA President Hafez Alameddine and other board members and Sheikh Yahya Safi, the Head Imam of Lakemba Mosque. 

I’ve only had the opportunity to hear Minister Steve Kamper speak twice in person, but on both occasions,  he’s delivered his remarks with such sincerity and warmth that it was hard not to be moved.

I genuinely believe I saw tears in his eyes as he spoke about the importance of honouring our parents and caring for our elders. 

The Minister’s words struck a deep chord with everyone in attendance, and later, he joined in cutting the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the facility.

As I walked through the corridors of AMAN Aged Care, I couldn’t help but feel proud of what this represents. 

It’s not just a state-of-the-art aged care facility, but a symbol of our community’s growth, resilience and respect for its elders. 

The LMA’s vision is now a reality, providing a practical and compassionate solution for families facing difficult decisions about elder care. 

For those still caring for loved ones at home, AMAN already provides home care services – further evidence of a holistic approach to aged care.

In a time when aged care in Australia is under scrutiny, AMAN Aged Care stands out not just for its facilities, but for the values it upholds.

This is care rooted in faith, family and community – exactly what our elders deserve – and care which is a statement of love, respect and responsibility: values that will continue to define how we treat those who came before us.