Author: despinao

Dear Team,

You may have noticed over the last few months that construction at Raines House has been underway.

We’re excited to let you know that Whiddon is partnering with Women’s Community Shelters and Housing All Australians to open  transitional accommodation for older women in need of support – right here at our former Raines House site at Glenfield.

Thanks to a planning change and support from the NSW Government, the upper levels of Raines House (Levels 2 & 3) will soon become safe accommodation for 28 women through a ‘meanwhile use’ housing project. Renovations are already underway, with the official opening expected in October 2025.

This is a first for Whiddon and aligns strongly with our purpose and community values. It’s also part of our wider commitment to Collaborative Health initiatives, working across sectors to create long-term, sustainable impact.

Some quick facts:

• The new Women’s Accommodation Shelter will operate separately from other Whiddon services which will include secure access that will be in place to maintain safety and privacy for all
• Our Seniors Group for Home Care clients has been relocated to Level 1 of Raines House, next to our Men’s Shed.

We’re proud to contribute to something so meaningful.

More information will be shared closer to the launch, and if you have any questions, please contact your manager.

Thank you,

Whiddon Team

Dear Residents, Families and Visitors,

We’re writing to share an exciting update about our Raines House property, located on our Easton Park campus.

In partnership with Women’s Community Shelters, Housing All Australians and other partners, Whiddon is proud to be part of a new initiative to support older women in need. In the coming months, levels 2 and 3 of Raines House will become safe, transitional housing for these women.
This initiative, known as a ‘meanwhile use’ project, transforms underutilised spaces into temporary accommodation, which is a practical and compassionate response to the growing housing crisis.

Here’s what this means for you:

• No disruption to your care or services: All resident services remain unchanged.
• Security. Raines House will have secure access with Levels 2 and 3 having their own entry points, separate from residential spaces. The program will have dedicated staff supporting these women.
• Our Home Care Seniors Group has now also moved to Level 1 of Raines House with its own access point next to the existing Men’s Shed.

We’re proud that our organisation can help support women in our community by offering safe housing and a chance to rebuild. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to speak with your Residential Services Manager.

Thank you,
Whiddon Team

Hi all,

We’re pleased to share that Whiddon has partnered with Embedded Health Solutions (EHS) to further enhance the clinical care and support we provide across our care home, specifically to review medications in consultations with GP’s and our supply Pharmacy for some residents.

EHS may be in touch with families and nominated representatives shortly to request consent for your loved one’s participation in this program.

This partnership will help us continue to deliver high-quality, person-centred care for our residents by streamlining access to clinical information, ensuring timely healthcare responses and supporting our teams with additional expertise.

Please be assured this process is designed to be simple and supportive. Your privacy and the wellbeing of your loved one remain our highest priority, and no action will be taken without appropriate consent.

If you have any questions about this partnership or what it means for you or your loved one, please don’t hesitate to speak with your Residential Services Manager.

Thank you,
Whiddon Team

Dear Residents and Families,

We’re excited to share some wonderful news with you.

Whiddon is expanding and refurbishing our Bourke residential aged care home to meet growing demand in the community and further strengthen the personalised, relationship-based care that we’re proud to provide.

Thanks to a grant from the Australian Government’s Aged Care Capital Assistance Program, and with additional support from Whiddon, we’ll soon begin a project that will create up to three new resident rooms – increasing capacity by 25%

We’re also pleased to share that Whiddon has purchased a neighbouring property to provide staff accommodation. This will allow us to relocate our live-in Clinical Supervisor and begin works inside the care home without disruption to residents’ comfort or care.

Construction is expected to start in October 2025 and finish in March 2026, with the new rooms opening shortly after.

As always, we will keep you updated throughout the process and will take every step to ensure residents continue to feel safe, supported, and at home during this period.

We are proud of our long-standing commitment to Bourke and the Far West community, and this expansion is a meaningful step forward in ensuring older people in the region can continue to access high-quality care, close to home and grounded in the relationships that matter most.

If you have any questions or would like to know more, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Warm regards,
The Whiddon Team

Dear Families, Friends and Representatives,

It is with great sadness that we share the news of an incident involving one of our residents from Taylor House. Yesterday, while returning from a visit to the local shops, the resident was involved in an alleged hit-and-run accident at a nearby intersection.

We have since been informed that the resident has sadly passed away in hospital.

We are working closely with the police as they investigate this incident and seek to identify the driver involved.

The resident’s family has been contacted, and we are providing them with our full support during this incredibly difficult time.

Please be assured that all other residents are safe and well. Should there ever be any concerns regarding your loved one, we will contact you directly.

Due to the nature of the incident, there may be media coverage in the coming days. We understand this may be distressing and are here to support our residents, families, and employees as we navigate this together.

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

Sincerely,
Chris Mamarelis
CEO, Whiddon

Dear Residents and Families, 

We’re writing to update you on the Government’s decision to officially delay the implementation of the new Aged Care Act. Originally scheduled to commence on 1 July 2025, the new Act will now come into effect on 1 November 2025.  

This delay was agreed to ensure that aged care providers, like Whiddon, have the time needed to prepare systems, train staff, and implement the changes with the quality and care you deserve. 

What This Means for You 

• No Immediate Changes: Your care, fees, and daily life at Whiddon will continue as usual. There is no change to your care team or the way we support you. 

• More Time to Prepare: The delay gives us additional time to strengthen our systems, update documentation, and ensure our teams are fully trained and ready to support you through the transition. 

• Continued Focus on Quality: Our commitment to relationship and rights-based care remains unchanged. We are using this time to enhance our readiness and ensure a smooth and respectful transition to the new standards. 

What’s Next? 

We will continue to keep you informed as we move closer to the new implementation date in November. You can expect further updates from us in the coming months, including information about your rights under the new Act and any changes that may affect you. 

If you have any questions or would like to speak with someone about the reforms, please don’t hesitate to contact your local Residential Services Manager, or our Customer Relations Team on 1300 738 388 or hello@whiddon.com.au. 

Thank you for your continued trust in Whiddon and your patience with these changes.  

Warm regards,
The Whiddon Team 

Dear Residents and Families, 

We’re writing to update you on the Government’s decision to officially delay the implementation of the new Aged Care Act. Originally scheduled to commence on 1 July 2025, the new Act will now come into effect on 1 November 2025.  

This delay was agreed to ensure that aged care providers, like Whiddon, have the time needed to prepare systems, train staff, and implement the changes with the quality and care you deserve. 

What This Means for You 

• No Immediate Changes: Your care, fees, and daily life at Whiddon will continue as usual. There is no change to your care team or the way we support you. 

• More Time to Prepare: The delay gives us additional time to strengthen our systems, update documentation, and ensure our teams are fully trained and ready to support you through the transition. 

• Continued Focus on Quality: Our commitment to relationship and rights-based care remains unchanged. We are using this time to enhance our readiness and ensure a smooth and respectful transition to the new standards. 

What’s Next? 

We will continue to keep you informed as we move closer to the new implementation date in November. You can expect further updates from us in the coming months, including information about your rights under the new Act and any changes that may affect you. 

If you have any questions or would like to speak with someone about the reforms, please don’t hesitate to contact your local Residential Services Manager, or our Customer Relations Team on 1300 738 388 or hello@whiddon.com.au. 

Thank you for your continued trust in Whiddon and your patience with these changes.  

Warm regards,
The Whiddon Team 

Dear Wingham team, 

We want to start by acknowledging the recent flooding that has impacted the Wingham area. Please know that every single one of you is in our thoughts during this difficult period. Whiddon is here to support you in every way we can. We understand the challenges you might be facing, both personally and professionally, and we’re looking at several ways to help. 

Here’s an overview of the help currently available and other ways we are actively working to support you: 

• Personal Hardship Support: If the floods have caused you personal hardship, such as damage to your home, car, or loss of personal items, please don’t hesitate to have a confidential chat with Ashley Layt about your circumstances. Whiddon will review each situation individually to determine how we can best offer our support. 

• Natural Disaster Leave:  If you were willing and able to come to work but were prevented by flooding (e.g., road closures), you can apply for up to three days of natural disaster leave. Speak with Ashley to apply for this leave.  

• Your Wellbeing: Looking after your wellbeing, especially during stressful times like these, is incredibly important. Remember, support is always available through our EAP and wellbeing partner, Hapstar. You can request a confidential Expert Session by visiting Request an Expert Session | Hapstar | Whiddon. If you’d prefer to chat with someone directly, you can call them on 1800 818 728. Please reach out – they’re there to help. 

• Supporting the Wingham Community: We’re also actively looking at ways Whiddon can contribute to and support the broader recovery efforts for the local Wingham community. We’re all in this together. 

• Recognising Our Shining Stars: It’s in times like these that the incredible dedication and spirit of our team truly shine. We are looking at ways to formally recognise those among you who have gone above and beyond to support our clients and each other during this challenging period. Your commitment hasn’t gone unnoticed. 

Once again, thank you for your unwavering dedication, your resilience, and everything you do for our residents and for Whiddon.
 

We appreciate each and every one of you. 

Whiddon Management Team 

Dear Wingham team, 

We want to start by acknowledging the recent flooding that has impacted the Wingham area. Please know that every single one of you is in our thoughts during this difficult period. Whiddon is here to support you in every way we can. We understand the challenges you might be facing, both personally and professionally, and we’re looking at several ways to help. 

Here’s an overview of the help currently available and other ways we are actively working to support you: 

• Personal Hardship Support: If the floods have caused you personal hardship, such as damage to your home, car, or loss of personal items, please don’t hesitate to have a confidential chat with Veronica John about your circumstances. Whiddon will review each situation individually to determine how we can best offer our support. 

• Natural Disaster Leave: If you were willing and able to come to work but were prevented by flooding (e.g., road closures), you can apply for up to three days of natural disaster leave. Speak with Veronica to apply for this leave.  

• Your Wellbeing: Looking after your wellbeing, especially during stressful times like these, is incredibly important. Remember, support is always available through our EAP and wellbeing partner, Hapstar. You can request a confidential Expert Session by visiting Request an Expert Session | Hapstar | Whiddon. If you’d prefer to chat with someone directly, you can call them on 1800 818 728. Please reach out – they’re there to help. 

• Supporting the Wingham Community: We’re also actively looking at ways Whiddon can contribute to and support the broader recovery efforts for the local Wingham community. We’re all in this together. 

• Recognising Our Shining Stars: It’s in times like these that the incredible dedication and spirit of our team truly shine. We are looking at ways to formally recognise those among you who have gone above and beyond to support our residents and each other during this challenging period. Your commitment hasn’t gone unnoticed. 

Once again, thank you for your unwavering dedication, your resilience, and everything you do for our residents and for Whiddon.
 

We appreciate each and every one of you. 

Whiddon Management Team 

Dear Families,

An update on the flooding event occurring on the Mid-North Coast and Hunter region. 

We want to reassure you that all residents and staff at our Largs Home are safe and well. 

Despite local flooding continuing to impact the Home, all residents are well and the home remains fully operational. We are making the appropriate arrangements for staff. 

Our team is closely monitoring the situation and liaising with the SES.

If anything changes, we will update you immediately. While the phones are currently working, if you have trouble reaching the home, please call us on 1300 738 388 and we’ll pass on your message. 

Thank you for your patience and support during this time. 

 Whiddon Team