Author: despinao

Dear Residents, Families & Representatives 

We are writing to update you on some sensitive information that has recently been reported in the media. 

Yesterday, several media outlets reported on the arrest of a former employee who worked at Whiddon’s Maclean Mareeba Home. The arrest relates to an incident that occurred before Whiddon took ownership of the Home 10 months ago.   

We understand this news may be concerning for you and want to share the information we are able to provide at this time. 

A recent NSW Police investigation has resulted in the arrest of a former employee in relation to the alleged sexual assault of a resident between November 2023 and February 2024. The matter is now before the courts. 

Based on the information currently available to us, we believe this to be an isolated incident. Importantly, there is no information to suggest any connection to other Whiddon homes, residents or employees across our network in NSW and Southeast Queensland. 

The alleged actions are completely contrary to Whiddon’s values and the standards of care, respect and dignity we expect for every resident. Nothing is more important to us that the safety, wellbeing and quality of care of our residents. 

While the alleged incident is reported to have occurred before Whiddon acquired and commenced operating the Maclean Mareeba Home, we have undertaken a review of our safeguards, recruitment practices and care governance processes to ensure they remain robust and continue to support the safety, dignity and wellbeing of every resident 

We want to reassure residents and families that Whiddon maintains rigorous recruitment, screening and compliance processes, including mandatory police checks, background screening and ongoing workforce monitoring, to help uphold the highest standards of care and safety. 

Although this matter does not directly affect residents at other Whiddon homes, we felt it was important to communicate openly given that the home is now owned and operated by Whiddon. We are deeply concerned by these allegations and remain unwavering in our commitment to providing safe, respectful and high-quality care. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your Residential Services Manager, who will be able to assist you or direct your enquiry as appropriate. 

Thank you for your continued trust in Whiddon and for allowing us to care for your loved ones. 

Chris Mamarelis
CEO, Whiddon 

Following the communication shared on Tuesday we invite you to attend an employee information session on Monday at 1.00pm.

The purpose of this session is to meet with our CEO Chris Mamarelis and Deputy CEO Alyson Jarrett to provide an opportunity for you to have a conversation with us about the incident that has occurred and for you to raise any questions or concerns.

We encourage employees to attend where possible.

Date: Monday, 20th July
Time: 1.00pm
Location: Whiddon Maclean – 27 Union St, Maclean NSW 2463

Kind regards,
The Whiddon Team

Dear Families and Representatives,

Following the communication shared on Tuesday we invite you to attend an employee information session on Monday at 11.00am.

The purpose of this session is to meet with our CEO Chris Mamarelis and Deputy CEO Alyson Jarrett to provide an opportunity for you to have a conversation with us about the incident that has occurred and for you to raise any questions or concerns.

We understand this news may be concerning and appreciate the opportunity to speak with you directly.

Date: Monday, 20th July
Time: 11.00am
Location: Whiddon Maclean Mareeba – Dining Hall

Kind regards,
The Whiddon Team

Dear Team,

Following the communication shared on Tuesday we invite you to attend an employee information session on Monday at 9:45am.

The purpose of this session is to meet with our CEO Chris Mamarelis and Deputy CEO Alyson Jarrett to provide an opportunity for you to have a conversation with us about the incident that has occurred and for you to raise any questions or concerns.

We encourage employees to attend where possible.

Date: Monday, 20th July
Time: 9:45am
Location: Whiddon Maclean Mareeba – Dining Hall

Kind regards,
The Whiddon Team

Hi Team,

This is not the sort of news I want to bring to you. However, I believe it is important that you hear it directly from me, and as soon as I am able to share what we know.

You may see media coverage today relating to the arrest and charging of a former team member from our Mareeba Home in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a resident. This is deeply confronting and upsetting news. The allegations are completely inconsistent with our values and with the compassionate, professional care that our people provide every day across Whiddon.

The alleged incident is reported to have occurred prior to Whiddon acquiring and operating the Mareeba Home. Regardless, we recognise the trust that residents and families place in us. Our focus remains on supporting those impacted, cooperating fully with the authorities, and continuing to strengthen the systems, practices and culture that underpin the care, dignity and wellbeing of every resident.

Police have advised that the matter relates to one resident and, based on the information currently available, there is no indication of broader concerns. We have supported the resident and their family throughout this process and continue to work closely with the relevant authorities.

I also want to acknowledge the leadership, professionalism and resilience shown by Cathie Tees, Sue Falzon and the entire Mareeba team during what has been an incredibly difficult period. They have continued to care for residents and support families with compassion and dedication, and I know you will join me in supporting them.

I also want to be transparent that while screening, clearance and recruitment processes are important safeguards, no system can completely remove the risk of an individual acting in a way that is inconsistent with who we are. That is why safeguarding relies not only on compliance, but on the culture we build, the confidence people have to speak up, and our collective commitment to care, dignity and respect. Every one of us shares responsibility for protecting residents, supporting each other, and ensuring that concerns are raised and addressed when something does not feel right. At Whiddon, we have zero tolerance for conduct that falls short of these standards.

As this matter is now before the courts, there are limits to what can be discussed publicly. I ask everyone to please:

• Look out for one another and recognise that some team members may find this news particularly distressing.
• Refrain from commenting publicly about the matter, including on social media.
• Remember that Hapstar is available if you need support. The service is confidential and available to all team members and their immediate family members.

Above all, please continue doing what you do every day: caring for residents, supporting families and looking after one another.

Thank you for everything you do and for the compassion and professionalism you bring to Whiddon each day.

Regards,
Chris Mamarelis
CEO

Dear Team, 

We wanted to notify you that today there have been reports in the media regarding the arrest of a former employee at Whiddon’s Mareeba Home, which is the 2nd Home we manage in Maclean.  

We understand this news will be upsetting for residents, families, employees and our beautiful Maclean community. We want to provide you with the information we are able to share at this time. 

The Police investigation commenced at the Mareeba Home following a report that an assistant nurse had allegedly sexually assaulted a resident between November 2023 and February 2024. The incident does not involve any employees or residents at Whiddon’s Maclean Home.  

Based on the information currently available to us, we believe this to be an isolated incident. 

While the alleged offence is reported to have occurred before Whiddon commenced management of the home, we have commenced our own review to ensure our safeguards, screening practices and procedures remain robust and continue to protect the safety and wellbeing of residents. 

As this matter is now before the courts, we are unable to provide further detail regarding the charges or the individual involved. We ask all employees to respect the privacy of those affected and refrain from discussing unconfirmed information or commenting publicly, including on social media.  

We also encourage anyone who is feeling distressed or impacted by this news to access confidential counselling and wellbeing support through Hapstar. This is available free of charge to all employees and their immediate family members. 

If you have questions or concerns, please speak with your manager or contact the People & Culture team. 

Thank you for your patience, understanding and continued trust. 

Kind regards, 

The Whiddon Team 

Dear Families and Representatives,

We wanted to notify you that today there have been reports in the media regarding the arrest of a former employee at Whiddon’s Mareeba Home, which is the 2nd Home we manage in Maclean.  

We understand this news will be upsetting for residents, families and our beautiful Maclean community. We want to provide you with the information we are able to share at this time. 

The Police investigation commenced at the Mareeba Home following a report that an assistant nurse had allegedly sexually assaulted a resident between November 2023 and February 2024. The incident does not involve any employees or residents at Whiddon’s Maclean Home.  

Based on the information currently available to us, we believe this to be an isolated incident. 

While the alleged offence is reported to have occurred before Whiddon commenced management of the home, we have commenced our own review to ensure our safeguards, screening practices and procedures remain robust and continue to protect the safety and wellbeing of residents. 

We also want to reassure you that Whiddon maintains rigorous recruitment, screening and compliance processes, including mandatory background checks and ongoing workforce monitoring, to help ensure the highest standards of care and safety. 

As this matter is now before the courts, we are unable to provide further detail regarding the charges or the individual involved. However, we are committed to supporting residents, families and representatives during this difficult time. 

If you have any concerns please speak with Regina, our Care Services manager, who would be happy to support any questions you may have.  

Thank you for your patience, understanding and continued trust. 

Kind regards, 

The Whiddon Team 

Dear Team, 

Further to the recent communication we sent you on 24th June , today we have received further information regarding this matter. A former employee of our home has been  arrested and charged in relation to the alleged sexual assault of a resident. This news is  deeply distressing and will come as a shock to our beautiful community.  

We understand this news will be upsetting for residents, families and our wider community. We want to provide you with the information we are able to share at this time. We expect that there will be media stories about the arrest and want to keep you informed as the issue unfolds.  

The Police investigation commenced following a report that an assistant nurse had allegedly sexually assaulted a resident between November 2023 and February 2024. Whiddon was only recently notified that Police were conducting an investigation and has cooperated fully with their enquiries. 

As soon as we became aware of the allegations, we reported the matter to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission and have continued to support all necessary investigations. 

Police have advised that the matter relates to one resident. We have been providing support to the resident and their family and understand that no other residents or employees have been identified as being involved. Based on the information currently available to us, we believe this to be an isolated incident. 

While the alleged offence is reported to have occurred before Whiddon commenced management of the home, we have commenced our own review to ensure our safeguards, screening practices and procedures remain robust and continue to protect the safety and wellbeing of residents. 

We recognise that many employees may find this news confronting, particularly those who work closely with residents and families every day. Please remember that incidents of this nature are not reflective of the values, professionalism and dedication demonstrated by our teams across Whiddon. 

As this matter is now before the courts, we are unable to provide further detail regarding the charges or the individual involved. We ask all employees to respect the privacy of those affected and refrain from discussing unconfirmed information or commenting publicly, including on social media.  

We also encourage anyone who is feeling distressed or impacted by this news to access confidential counselling and wellbeing support through Hapstar. This is available free of charge to all employees and their immediate family members. 

If you have questions or concerns, please speak with your manager or contact the People & Culture team. 

Thank you for your professionalism, compassion and continued commitment to providing safe, high-quality care to our residents. 

Kind regards, 

The Whiddon Team

Dear Families and Representatives,

Further to the recent communication we sent you on 24th June , today we have received further information regarding this matter. A former employee of our home has been  arrested and charged in relation to the alleged sexual assault of a resident. This news is  deeply distressing and will come as a shock to our beautiful community.  

We understand this news will be upsetting for residents, families and our wider community. We want to provide you with the information we are able to share at this time. We expect that there will be media stories about the arrest and want to keep you informed as the issue unfolds.  

The Police investigation commenced following a report that an assistant nurse had allegedly sexually assaulted a resident between November 2023 and February 2024. Whiddon was only recently notified that Police were conducting an investigation and has cooperated fully with their enquiries. 

As soon as we became aware of the allegations, we reported the matter to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission and have continued to work closely with the relevant authorities. 

Police have advised that the matter relates to one resident. We have been supporting the resident and their family and understand that no other residents or employees have been identified as being involved. Based on the information currently available to us, we believe this to be an isolated incident. 

While the alleged offence is reported to have occurred before Whiddon commenced management of the home, we have commenced our own review to ensure our safeguards, screening practices and procedures remain robust and continue to protect the safety and wellbeing of residents. 

We also want to reassure you that Whiddon maintains rigorous recruitment, screening and compliance processes, including mandatory background checks and ongoing workforce monitoring, to help ensure the highest standards of care and safety. 

As this matter is now before the courts, we are unable to provide further detail regarding the charges or the individual involved. However, we are committed to supporting residents, families and representatives during this difficult time. 

If you have any questions or concerns and would like to speak with someone privately, please contact Sharon at Reception on (02) 6645 2966. 

We will also arrange an opportunity for families and representatives to meet with us to discuss any concerns and will provide further information as it becomes available. 

Thank you for your patience, understanding and continued trust. 

Kind regards,
The Whiddon Team

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.