Our history

A rich legacy in Killarney

Our service began as a hospital in 1950, funded by returned servicemen and other private donors. It was known as the Killarney Memorial Hospital. 

The hospital offered maternity, surgery and emergency care. It was located on Pine Street, although was destroyed by the tornado storm in 1968. 

The hospital was rebuilt on Cedar Street and re-opened in 1970.

Following closure of many regional hospitals in the 1990s, Killarney Memorial Hospital began offering aged care services, and accordingly the organisation became known as Killarney Memorial Aged Care.

Following land acquisitions, Killarney Memorial Aged Care continued to expand, and built new facilities throughout the 2010s.  It now offers a 60 bed residential aged care service, eight senior living units, a medical centre, community care and other health and wellbeing services for locals.

We’re for purpose, not for profit.

K-Life has always been a community-owned, not-for-profit organisation, dedicated to ensuring locals have access to high-quality wellness and health services close to home. From our beginnings as a hospital to the diverse offerings we provide today, our commitment to the community has only grown stronger.

In 2023, the local GP donated her practice to Killarney Memorial to ensure continued medical care for the town. Over the years, we’ve expanded to include home care, Meals on Wheels, NDIS support, allied health services, and, in 2024, the Killarney Swimming Pool, offering swimming and fitness activities. We support our local community groups by hosting quarterly meetings, publishing and distributing an annual calendar and quarterly newsletters promoting all community events.

Recognising our broader role in the community, we rebranded to K-Life in 2024 to honour our legacy while embracing our evolution. Today, we are more than a residential aged care provider—we are friends, neighbours, and partners in care, proud to support a connected, thriving community with comprehensive health and wellness services.