Author: Chris Mar

Dear Whiddon Moree, Residents Families and Representatives,

Community Virtual Nursing Program

Whiddon Moree is pleased to be participating in the Amplar Health Community Virtual Nursing (CVN) Program, a pilot program funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

The program provides our residents and care team with 24/7 access to experienced Registered Nurses via secure phone and video technology, providing additional clinical support and access to specialised nursing advice when required.

Importantly, this service does not replace our existing Whiddon staff or current care arrangements. It is an additional service designed to work alongside and support our existing care team.

The virtual nursing team can provide specialised support in areas including complex wound care, pain management, end-of-life care, behaviours of concern, continence, pressure care and PEG/stoma/catheter management.

Consent Required

Participation in the program requires consent from the resident or their representative.

For residents who require consent from their Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) or Enduring Power of Guardianship (EPOG), a consent form is here.

We kindly ask that you complete and return the consent form as soon as possible to:

c.mather@whiddon.com.au

We are excited to be involved in this initiative and look forward to the additional clinical support it can provide to our residents, families and staff.

If you have any questions, please contact the Whiddon Moree management team.

– Whiddon

Dear Whiddon Largs families, friends and representatives,

We are pleased to let you know that the recent COVID-19 outbreak at our Home has now been declared cleared, with no positive cases remaining within the facility.

While we have no active COVID-19 cases at present, there are still moderate levels of other respiratory illnesses circulating in the local community. To help protect our residents, all visitors are asked to continue wearing a surgical mask while on site.

Group activities and wellbeing and lifestyle programs will continue as normal.

We kindly ask everyone to continue being mindful of infection control practices, including good hand hygiene and the correct use of masks.

If you are unwell or have any flu-like symptoms, please do not visit the home.

Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support during this time. Our team remains fully committed to providing the utmost care, comfort, and support to your loved ones.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

– Whiddon

Dear Whiddon Largs families, friends and representatives,

We are advising that we currently have more confirmed positive cases of COVID‑19 at our Home. The residents are being closely monitored and supported by our care team.

To help keep everyone safe, all employees and visitors are required to wear N95 masks while on site at all times, until further notice.

As part of the monitoring, our team are reviewing the continuation of group activities, and revised wellbeing & lifestyle activities will continue.

We kindly ask everyone to continue being mindful of infection control practices, including good hand hygiene and the correct use of masks.

If you are unwell or have any flu-like symptoms, please do not visit the home.  

Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support during this time. Our team remains fully committed to providing the utmost care, comfort, and support to your loved ones.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Whiddon Largs

Hi Team,

I’m pleased to share an important update on the latest Work Value Case (WVC) wage increase. This is the final increase as part of the Stage 3 decision and marks a significant milestone in achieving fairer wages for our nurses in aged care.

A quick recap. In July 2023, registered and enrolled nurses received a 15% pay increase, which we applied straight away. The Fair Work Commission then made its final decision on 20 December 2024, introducing a new pay and classification structure for nurses. These changes have been rolled out in three stages: 1 March 2025, 1 October 2025, and 1 August 2026.

The current WVC increase applies to eligible enrolled and registered nurses, effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 August 2026.

Our commitment – passing it on, dollar for dollar.

Consistent with our approach at every stage, Whiddon has continued to match the increases dollar-for-dollar against the Modern Award rates to the Whiddon EA base rates of pay. While additional Government funding has been provided to support the award increases, it does not cover the full cost of maintaining our EA rates above the award, despite an earlier commitment to do so. Regardless, we have chosen to absorb that gap to ensure applicable team members receive the full increase.

We have also historically applied a discretionary 1.5% Enterprise Agreement annual increase on top of the WVC increases, keeping our EA rates above the Modern Award.

We are also progressing negotiations for a new single Enterprise Agreement to replace our three current agreements. Bargaining commenced in May 2026, and the first draft Agreement has now been released. Importantly, any wage increases delivered through the EA will be additional to the Work Value Case increases, not offset against them. Subject to Board approval, we are targeting 18 August 2026 to present our proposed wage offer.

Eligible employees will receive individual letters in the coming days confirming their new pay rates. Please note that not all employees are eligible for the WVC increases.

I also encourage you to visit the People and Culture intranet page for Enterprise Agreement updates and a copy of the proposed draft Agreement. We will continue to keep you updated and informed throughout the bargaining process.

Thank you, as always, for the incredible work you do to enrich people’s lives and make a real difference.

Chris Mamarelis
CEO

Hello Team,

As you know, Whiddon temporarily increased the Home Care vehicle allowance earlier this year to assist employees with rising fuel costs. While that temporary increase concluded in July as planned, recent fuel price increases following the cessation of the Government’s fuel excise reduction have once again placed additional pressure on our Home Care workforce. In recognition of these increased costs, Whiddon will reintroduce a temporary increase to the Home Care vehicle allowance, raising the rate to $1.10 per kilometre, effective 17 August 2026.

This adjustment is intended to provide practical support to employees who rely on their own vehicles to deliver services to clients across our communities. We will continue to monitor fuel prices and broader economic conditions and will review the allowance as circumstances change.

– Alyson Jarrett

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Whiddon increasing the kilometre allowance again?

Following the cessation of the Government’s fuel excise reduction, fuel prices have increased and are creating additional cost pressures for employees who use their own vehicles for work. Whiddon has therefore decided to reintroduce a temporary increase to the Home Care vehicle allowance to help support our team.

What is the new rate and when does it start?

The kilometre allowance will increase to $1.10 per kilometre, effective from 17 August 2026.

Why is the rate different from the previous temporary increase?

The earlier temporary increase to $1.15 per kilometre ceased in July as planned. In reviewing current market conditions, Whiddon has determined that a temporary rate of $1.10 per kilometre is an appropriate level of support at this time.

Is this increase permanent?

No. This remains a temporary measure to assist employees during a period of elevated fuel costs. We will continue to monitor conditions and review the allowance periodically.

What does the kilometre allowance cover?

The allowance contributes to the overall cost of operating a vehicle, not just fuel, including:

• Fuel
• Registration
• Insurance
• Servicing and maintenance
• General wear and tear

How does Whiddon’s rate compare to the ATO benchmark?

The Australian Taxation Office benchmark is currently $0.91 per kilometre. Whiddon’s standard EA rate of $1.00 per kilometre already exceeds this benchmark, and the temporary rate of $1.10 per kilometre provides additional support during this period of increased fuel costs.

Who should I speak to if I have questions or concerns?

Employees should speak with their coordinator or manager in the first instance. We will continue to monitor fuel conditions and provide updates if there are any further changes.

Kind regards,

Alyson Jarrett

Dear Residents, Families, Friends & Representatives,

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

We have 9 confirmed cases within Federation Lodge. All residents throughout the home 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 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 Representatives,

Late last year, we shared the exciting news that Whiddon has secured $19.5 million in Federal Government funding to redevelop our Temora Home. Together with Whiddon’s own investment, this brings the total project value to $25.6 million.

This redevelopment will bring Greenstone Lodge and Narraburra Lodge together into one modern, purpose‑built Home designed to better support residents now and into the future. The redevelopment will include:

• A new two‑storey wing with 52 aged care places
• An enhanced Memory Support Home
• Upgraded kitchen and laundry facilities
• A coffee kiosk, hair salon and gym
• New resident gardens and activity spaces

Earlier this week, our Leadership Team visited Temora to share the redevelopment plans and announce that construction is scheduled to begin in May. The project is expected to take around 18 months to complete. As part of this process, Greenstone Lodge will eventually close and our residents will transfer into our newly developed and enhanced Narraburra home.

We understand that change can feel unsettling, and we want to reassure you that we will work closely with residents, families and representatives to make sure everyone is informed, supported and kept up to date throughout construction and the transition period. Our priority is always the wellbeing and comfort of our residents and team members.

You can view further information, including plans and artist impressions, here: CLICK TO SEE THE PLANS

If you have any questions or would like to talk through what this means for you or your loved one, please contact Residential Services Manager, Belinda Wood, who will be very happy to assist.

We are proud to be investing in the future of aged care in Temora and are excited about what this redevelopment will mean for residents, families and the wider community.

 Kind regards,

The Whiddon Team