Caring for our aged residents is a priority for us. Our community boasts a range of services tailored to support the needs of our senior population, including 77 Council-managed independent living units – 52 in Ulverstone and 25 in Penguin. Whilst Council does not offer Aged Care or Disability Care, and the units may not be suitable for individuals with higher needs, these lifetime tenancy units are reserved for applicants aged over 55 years.
Aged Person Home Units – Independent Living in the Central Coast
What is a Lifetime Tenancy Unit?
Central Coast Council’s Aged Person Home Units offer safe and affordable independent living for older people in our community. These are long-term rental units where tenants pay a one-off upfront premium (rent) along with a modest weekly fee.
These units are offered on an “as-is” basis when the agreement is signed. Please note that they are designed for independent living for persons aged over 55, and any major modifications to suit aged or disability-specific care needs generally fall outside the scope of Council’s responsibilities and the Aged Persons Home Unit (APHU) scheme.
How it works
- Tenants pay an upfront premium, which is like pre-paying rent for a 20-year period.
- The premium is calculated at approximately 50% of the full market value of the unit.
- If a tenancy ends before 20 years, a pro-rata refund is provided. For example, if a $90,000 premium was paid and the tenancy ends after 10 years, a refund of $45,000 is returned (5% of the premium per year).
- If the tenant stays longer than 20 years, no further payments are required aside from the weekly service fee, and no refund applies.
Weekly Fees
In addition to the premium, tenants pay a weekly fee which helps cover the ongoing costs of maintaining the unit and services. The fee is reviewed each year and may change as costs increase or decrease.
This fee covers:
- Rates, water, sewerage, and garbage charges
- Building and fixed-item insurance
- General maintenance classified as fair wear and tear
- Grounds upkeep for the unit complex
About Central Coast Council’s APH Units
- Located in Ulverstone (52 units) and Penguin (25 units)
- Units are all single-bedroom, brick-built, ground-level
- Close to town centres and/or shopping districts
- Select complexes offering garage options in Ulverstone (no garages available in Penguin)
JOIN THE WAITLIST*
*PLEASE NOTE: due to the current length of the Waitlist we have paused accepting submissions at this time – Updated 29/09/2025.
Please find a copy of the waitlist application form in the APHU Info Sheet, or submit an application for the waitlist via the online form. For more information, contact the Community Development Team by phoning (03) 6429 8900 or email [email protected] to make an appointment or request paper copies.
Ganesway
Located at 51-55 Queen Street, West Ulverstone, Ganesway provides independent living accommodation for up to 10 aged individuals. With bedsitting rooms featuring ensuite facilities and private entrances, residents enjoy a comfortable and secure living environment.
Contributions are based on 85% of the aged pension and rental assistance combined, covering food, accommodation, utilities, and housekeeping services. An entry fee is required for admission.
To be eligible for residency, applicants must:
- Be on an aged or disability pension
- Meet other specified criteria
For more information on these services please see the information sheet below or contact the friendly Community Development Team by phoning (03) 6429 8900 during business hours to make an appointment.
Please refer to Council’s current Fees & Charges Schedule for the rates.
Aged Persons Transport
Community Transport Service Tasmania Inc. provides ongoing support to the frail, aged, and individuals with disabilities in our community. Volunteers offer transportation assistance for medical appointments, shopping trips, and small group outings.
Volunteers help clients by transporting them to medical appointments, assistance with shopping and small group bookings for aged.
To contact the service for medical appointments or shopping, office hours are as follows:
LOCATION: 15-19 Eastland Drive, Ulverstone
PHONE: 1800 781 033
EMAIL: [email protected]
This service is a funded project of Home and Community Care, a joint Commonwealth and State/Territory program.