The Margery Cole Story

The Committee for Yallambee Traralgon Village for the Aged first came together in October 1968 when it was agreed that there was a lack of Aged Care accommodation in the Latrobe Valley. In June 1970, Council advised the Committee that it had successfully negotiated for 11 acres of land owned by the Victorian Railways, which was situated on Gwailia Street. The name “Yallambee” was decided upon in November and was considered particularly appropriate for the project, being an Aboriginal word meaning “to dwell at ease”, which is still incorporated into the Yallambee logo today.

The first official Committee of Management was approved in 1971 and consisted of representatives from Central Gippsland Health and other businesses within Traralgon. Miss Margery Cole, Matron of Central Gippsland Hospital, became Vice-Chairman of the Yallambee Committee. In 1971, Matron Cole and the Yallambee Chairman were returning home from a meeting in Melbourne when they were involved in a car accident at Longwarry North. Matron Cole was killed instantly. The Nursing Home at Yallambee was named “Margery Cole” in honor of her commitment to Yallambee, and as a memorial for the work she had done for the elderly people of Traralgon.

Over the years the Yallambee site has grown to include Independent Living units.

Read more about Margery Cole Aged Care accommodation and our Independent Living units both located at Yallambee.

Photo of the driveway entry to Yallambee Aged Care. With a black car parked in white brick entry pavilion. Manicured garden with trees and shrubs, and the Australian and Aboriginal flags flying.

Today Margery Cole is a modern aged-care facility with warm and inviting rooms and spaces, lovely gardens and a professional team who provide personal, high quality care to our residents.