From the start of his ministry in Sawtell, founding Pastor Father John Kelly exhibited a particular concern for the older members of the community, and the need to provide appropriate care facilities.  'Villa Maria' was a start, and the first attempts at expansion occurred as early as 1985 when the Coasters Motel in First Ave, Sawtell was considered as a possible facility.  For various reasons, it was decided not to pruchase, but the exercise was a valuable learning experience and thereafter and eye was kept open for a suitable site.

Early in 1988 the land on which Marian Grove exists was purchased.   Construction of the first group of 5 units commenced  in September 1991 and the first resident arrived in April 1992.  By the end of 1993, twenty five units were built and occupied, and construction has continued.

An additional 36 units are under construction near the entrance of Marian Grove and in front of the Mater Christi.  This will also include a purpose built Administration Area and the current offices will be redeveloped into self care units.  The total number of self care units will be 175 at Marian Grove and 13 at Villa Maria.

A long cherished dream began to materialise in November 1996 with the availability of a Federal capital grant of $1.1million, plus recurrent funding, for the 45 bed Mater Christi Hostel and Nursing Home.  In 1998 funding also became available for  25 High Care Dementia Specific places, constructed on adjacent land to the east.

Marian Grove is now fully operational with a total capacity of 71 beds nad further plans include a Chapela and Serviced Apartments.  The current C.E.O of Sawtell Catholic Care of the Aged is Linn Cameron while John Moran has taken on the role of Development Manager.