Until then, many residents were forced to travel to aged care facilities across the state, and many had never left the Bega Valley before.

The Bega and District Frail Aged Committee was created and with support from council, who purchased land, local residents were able to remain in the community most familiar to them.

Forty years on, the anniversary of what was to become Sapphire Coast Community Aged Care was celebrated at Bega's Hillgrove House on Saturday, November 9.

Staff member Helen Triggell is one of many who has been there from the start, and said the opening of the home also created many much-needed jobs for the region.

"In Bega, in that time, there was only employment at the hospital. It brought jobs to town," she said.

"There's been lots of change for the better since then and its so good to see so many familiar faces here today."

CEO Matt Sierp said the organisation would not exist without the help of countless volunteers who have donated their time and helped raise millions of dollars.

"We have provided the very best care we can for the community," board chairman Phil Moffit said.

Former director of nursing Kathy Miller said she arrived as a volunteer alongside former CEO Jim Butterworth when they were both aged 27, and have been involved in some capacity for the last four decades.

"There's still staff who've been here since day one, and I want to thank you," she said.

Mr Butterworth said "aged care in the Bega Valley has gone gangbusters" since what was then called the Bega District Nursing Home was opened.

"The people behind this great place are the staff, and I congratulate them wholeheartedly," he said.

Auxiliary member Barbara Chambers said the group began by catering for the home, and have since raised countless dollars to help residents.