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Author: Chris Mar
Dear Whiddon Largs families, friends and representatives,
Summary
- We currently have cases of gastroenteritis impacting the home
- The CAB Meeting scheduled for tomorrow (22/10) will be postponed until further notice
We are advising that we currently have confirmed positive cases of gastroenteritis (Gastro) at our Home. Our care team is closely monitoring and supporting the residents.
To help keep everyone safe, all employees and visitors are required to wear 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 in any way, including any flu-like symptoms, please do not visit the home.
As a result, we have decided to postpone tomorrow’s scheduled Consumer Advisory Body (CAB) Meeting and we will look at reschedule as soon as the outbreak is over.
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
Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,
Please be advised that we are currently experiencing an COVID-19 outbreak at our care home, with 8 residents across three wings, testing positive for the virus.
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all residents, we have enacted our Infection Management and Outbreak Management Plans.
We respectfully request that all visitors and family members adhere to the facility’s recommendation to wear a mask while inside the premises. This precaution is essential in helping to prevent transmission.
If you are unwell or have any flu-like symptoms, we strongly encourage you to delay your visit.
We thank everyone for their support and commitment to resident and employee safety.
– The Whiddon Team
Hi Whiddon Redhead team,
Please be advised that SSO (Single Sign-On) was enabled accidentally today. This may have prevented some team members who are not using their Whiddon ID, from signing in to Humanforce.
The issue has now been resolved and SSO has been turned off. You can continue to access Humanforce using your usual login method.
When SSO is officially introduced at Redhead, we will provide plenty of notice, instructions, and support well in advance.
If you are still unable to sign in to Humanforce, please log an ICT support ticket for assistance.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
– Whiddon
Dear Whiddon Narrabri Jessie Hunt families, friends and representatives,
We are pleased to let you know that the recent influenza outbreak at our Home has now been declared cleared, with no positive cases remaining within the home.
While we have no active influenza 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 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:
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