Year: 2026

Dear Residents, Families, Friends & Representatives,

Please be advised that we are currently experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak.

We have 11 confirmed cases across Hostel, Bedwell and Kingston wings. All residents have been tested. We are working with the Public Health Unit to manage the situation appropriately.

Please be assured that we have implemented our outbreak management plan, including enhanced infection control measures, monitoring, and support for affected residents.

All visitors are encouraged to consider postponing any visits if they are unwell or experiencing any flu-like symptoms. The safety of our residents and team members is our number one priority.

We thank everyone for their support and understanding while our team manage this outbreak.

The Whiddon Team

Dear Residents, Families, and Carers,

We are pleased to inform you that we are transitioning to a new clinical documentation system called Clinical Manager.

This change will bring several important benefits, including:

• Simpler and clearer clinical documentation, which will help our staff spend more time focusing on care.
• Improved communication within our team, ensuring care is informed, consistent, and responsive.
• Mobile point-of-care documentation, allowing our staff to record care in real time using a secure mobile app.
• Updates sent to the person responsible (via email or SMS), including non-urgent information, where appropriate. Please note – the updates are sent from a system. If you have any enquiries, please contact your RSM.

Please be assured that in the case of any emergency, we will always call you directly.

We are committed to delivering the highest standard of care, and this new system is an important step in continuing to improve how we support you and your loved ones.

If you have any questions about this change, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Dear Team,

Next week marks the first big step in our transition to Clinical Manager. Here’s what you can expect:

• Training: Selected RNs will complete a 3-hour online CarePlan training session to prepare for CarePlan updates.
• Data Migration: Resident Demographic data will be migrated into Telstra Health. Selected RNs will be spending the next 2 weeks to get all information in the Clinical Manager system.

Your cooperation and focus are key to getting us off to a strong start. Thank you for your continued support as we move forward.

Hi team,

I wanted to provide an update regarding travel allowances for our Home Care teams.

As you know, we temporarily increased the kilometre reimbursement rate in response to significant rises in fuel prices. We implemented this change for a period of three month which concludes on the 30^th June. We have continued to monitor fuel trends, which indicates that fuel prices have now stabilised compared to the elevated levels we saw previously.

Based on this, we will be reverting to the original vehicle allowance of $1.00 per kilometre, effective from the first pay period in July.

It’s important to note that even at this rate, Whiddon continues to reimburse travel at approximately 12 cents above the ATO cents-per-kilometre rate. This rate is intended to cover not only fuel, but also vehicle wear and tear, servicing, and maintenance. Our assessment is that the $1.00 per kilometre allowance continues to adequately support these costs.

We recognise that fuel pricing can change, and we want to reassure you that we will continue to monitor this closely.

We appreciate the important work you do every day supporting our clients in their homes and communities and thank you for your continued flexibility.

If you have any questions, please speak with your manager.

Regards,
Alyson

Dear Residents, Families and Representatives,

I am writing to advise a Police Investigation is underway involving an alleged incident that occurred at Mareeba Maclean approximately 2 years ago.

Yesterday,  Police attended our Home as part of their investigation.

We understand that it is in relation to a serious matter involving one of our residents. Given that this is a formal investigation, we are unable to provide any further information at this time.  At this point, based on available information, this is considered an isolated incident with no identified risk to our residents.

We have spoken directly with the resident involved, and their family, and are providing support and our full cooperation as the investigation unfolds.

Once we have been briefed by Police on the outcome of their investigation, we will update you as soon as possible.

We thank you for your understanding.

Cathie Tees

RSM, Whiddon Maclean Mareeba

Dear Team,

I am writing to advise a Police Investigation is underway involving an alleged incident that occurred at Mareeba Maclean approximately 2 years ago.

Yesterday, police attended our Home as part of their investigations.

We understand that it is in relation to a serious matter involving one of our residents. Some Employees may be interviewed by the Police to assist in their investigation. Given that this is a formal investigation, we are unable to provide any further information at this time.  At this point, based on available information, this is considered an isolated incident with no identified risk to our residents.

We have spoken directly with the resident involved, and their family, and are providing support and our full cooperation as the investigation unfolds.

We understand that this has caused some disruption and concern in the Home. Please reach out directly to your Manager if you need support.

Once we have been briefed by Police on the outcome of their investigation, we will update you as soon as possible.

We remind all Team Members of our Media Policy, which requires that only our RSM Cathie Tees, is authorised to speak with Media.

We thank you for your understanding.

Cathie Tees

RSM, Whiddon Maclean Mareeba

Dear Residents, Families, and Carers,

Next week, Whiddon Easton Park – Taylor House will officially begin using the new Clinical Manager system. This is an exciting milestone that will help us deliver care in a more consistent and efficient way.

You may see staff using the system on mobile phones, tablets or computers, but please be assured that your care will continue as usual. The new system is designed to help our team look after you even better.

Thank you for your patience and support as we move to this new way of working. If you have any questions, please contact your local team.

Dear Residents, Families, and Carers,

Next week, Whiddon Easton Park – Sir David Martin will officially begin using the new Clinical Manager system. This is an exciting milestone that will help us deliver care in a more consistent and efficient way.

You may see staff using the system on mobile phones, tablets or computers, but please be assured that your care will continue as usual. The new system is designed to help our team look after you even better.

Thank you for your patience and support as we move to this new way of working. If you have any questions, please contact your local team.

Dear Team,

This is the week we’ve been working towards! From Tuesday, 23rd June, we will officially be going live with Telstra Health – Clinical Manager.

Whiddon team members and Telstra Health representatives will be available all week to provide assistance as you begin using the new system in daily practice.

Thank you for your dedication, training, and teamwork in preparing for this moment. We’re confident this change will support even better care for our residents.

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

We are pleased to advise our Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) outbreak in Whiddon Kyogle has officially been declared over.

Masks are no longer required. If you are unwell, or experiencing flu-like symptoms, please consider postponing your visit. The safety of our residents and team members is our number one priority.

We thank everyone for their support and understanding while our team managed this outbreak.

Whiddon Kyogle Team