Author: despinao

Dear Families and Representatives,

Please be advised that we currently have confirmed positive cases of Rhinovirus in the Coates Wing at Taylor House.

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.

As a precaution, please note all visitors and employees in Coates Wing are required to wear a surgical mask.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping everyone safe.

Dear Team,

We know the current fuel situation and global uncertainty is creating some concern. We are closely monitoring developments and will continue to share updates and look at options to support our teams.

Our Fuel Governance Group meets weekly to monitor the situation and assess risks. There is no change to Whiddon’s operations at this time, and we’re following government advice and adjusting our approach as needed.

Practical steps you can take

• Check local fuel availability at: https://checkpetrol.com.au/
• Where possible, fill up earlier in the day
• Avoid panic buying – only purchase what you reasonably need
• Minimise non‑essential travel and combine trips
• Maintain vehicles and tyre pressure to improve fuel efficiency
• Avoid having unnecessary items in your car that can increase fuel use.

Thank you for continuing to look out for one another while keeping our focus on the people we support. If you are experiencing any challenges, please discuss these with your manager.

We’ll keep you informed as things evolve.

Dear Families, Friends and Representatives,

As you know, Mareeba Aged Care became part of the Whiddon family in October 2025. To keep all our updates in one place, we will be closing the Mareeba Facebook page at the end of April.

To continue receiving updates, photos and community news, please follow the main Whiddon Facebook page here.

Nothing changes in the care we provide – this is simply a move to create one central place for communication and special updates.

We also understand how important it is to see these updates, so we will be working closely with the team on site to share the wonderful moments captured of your loved ones.

If you need help accessing or following the Whiddon page, our team will be happy to assist.

Kind regards,
The Whiddon Team

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

We are pleased to inform you that the COVID-19 outbreak in Whiddon Maclean has been officially declared over.

If you are feeling unwell or showing any signs of cold and flu symptoms, we ask you to please refrain from visiting the home. The health of our residents and employees is our utmost priority.

Thank you to all who assisted in the management of the outbreak and to our residents and families for their patience and understanding.

Kind Regards,

– Whiddon

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

Please be advised that the phone system is currently unavailable at Whiddon Belmont. 

All direct numbers to our residents will be unavailable. We are working hard towards rectifying the situation. 

For any urgent calls, please contact 0417 994 520.

We will advise when the systems are back up and running.

Thank you for your understanding.

The Whiddon Team

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

Please be advised that we are currently experiencing an Influenza A outbreak at our care home.

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all residents, 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 cross-transmission.

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

We thank everyone for their support and commitment to resident and employee safety.

– The Whiddon Team

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

Please be advised that we currently have confirmed positive Covid and Rhinovirus cases at Whiddon Belmont – Downstairs Moonyah (Level 1) and some residents in Block 3.

To assist in controlling the outbreak, we strongly encourage you to delay your visit where possible to protect your own wellbeing and to avoid any further potential spread.

Please note:

• Visiting may still occur during this period.
• Visitors are required to follow our safety precautions including:
  • Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) required by all employees and visitors prior to entry.
  • N95 Masks are to be worn while in outbreak declared area [Moonyah Downstairs Level 1]
  • Full PPE is required if you are visiting a loved one who has Covid.
  • Regular handwashing and use of hand sanitisers are strongly encouraged. Hand sanitising stations are available throughout the care home.
  • Maintain appropriate social distancing whenever possible. Visits should be conducted in resident rooms or on balconies.

• 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 staff manage this outbreak.

Whiddon Belmont Team

Dear Residents and Families,

We’d like to let you know about some important upgrade works happening at our home this week. These improvements will help ensure comfort and safety for everyone.

1. Air Conditioning Upgrade

Our air conditioning system is being fully upgraded.

• Today: Technicians from MEFP are disconnecting units and removing ductwork in the plant room.
• Wednesday 13/11: Work continues on removing old units. Builders will also install temporary roof anchors and start removing cowlings.
• Thursday 14/11: A large crane will be onsite for most of the day to remove old units and install the new system. The crane will be positioned on the McLachlan Street side of the Home, and there will be a restricted access zone for safety (see picture below).
• Friday 14 – Sunday 16/11: Technicians will complete installation and testing.

2. Nurse Call System Replacement

• We’ve engaged AceTek to replace our Nurse Call Alert system
• This upgrade will take about 4 weeks
• Technicians will run cabling through the western end of the home and access each resident room for installation and testing
• We’ll ensure we keep any disruption to a minimum

Thank you for your patience and understanding while we complete these important upgrades. If you have any questions or concerns, please call us or visit the front desk.

The Mareeba Team

Note:
The restricted zone indicated below will be managed on site for the duration of the crane lift.

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

We are pleased to inform you that the Influenza outbreak in Whiddon Kyogle has been officially declared over.

Please note, Surgical Masks are no longer required when visiting the home.

If you are feeling unwell or showing any signs of cold and flu symptoms, we ask you to please refrain from visiting the home. The health of our residents and employees is our utmost priority.

Thank you to all who assisted in the management of the outbreak and to our residents and families for their patience and understanding.

Kind Regards,
– Whiddon

Good morning everyone,

I am delighted to advise that Mr Nishan Gautam has been successful in his application for the role of Residential Services Manager – Taylor House.

Nishan joins us with significant operational and clinical experience and leadership, with senior roles with Estia Health, Australian Unity and Hammond Care. Nishan’s most recent success includes commissioning a Specialised Dementia Care Facility in Miranda for Hammond Care.

Nishan will commence with Whiddon on Monday, 8th December and will work closely with Lynda and the team to ensure a smooth transition prior to Lynda commencing her well-deserved retirement in January 2026.

Please join me in welcoming Nishan to his new role who is looking forward to reducing his commute and improving his work / life balance.

Kind regards,
Sally Renshaw – Regional General Manager Residential Care Greater Sydney & North West NSW
E: s.renshaw@whiddon.com.au
Mb: 0436 659 935.