Category: Uncategorized

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 Carers,

We are pleased to inform you that we are transitioning to a new clinical documentation system called Clinical Manager.

This change will bring several important benefits, including:

• Simpler and clearer clinical documentation, which will help our staff spend more time focusing on care.
• Improved communication within our team, ensuring care is informed, consistent, and responsive.
• Mobile point-of-care documentation, allowing our staff to record care in real time using a secure mobile app.
• Updates sent to the person responsible (via email or SMS), including non-urgent information, where appropriate. Please note – the updates are sent from a system. If you have any enquiries, please contact your RSM.

Please be assured that in the case of any emergency, we will always call you directly.

We are committed to delivering the highest standard of care, and this new system is an important step in continuing to improve how we support you and your loved ones.

If you have any questions about this change, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Whiddon Temora

Dear Team,

Next week marks the first big step in our transition to Clinical Manager. Here’s what you can expect:

• Training: Selected RNs will complete a 3-hour online CarePlan training session to prepare for CarePlan updates.
• Data Migration: Resident Demographic data will be migrated into Telstra Health. Selected RNs will be spending the next 2 weeks to get all information in the Clinical Manager system.

Your cooperation and focus are key to getting us off to a strong start. Thank you for your continued support as we move forward.

Whiddon Temora

Hi Team,

We have updated two important documents to help team members understand upcoming payroll and superannuation changes actioned from 1 July 2026.

The Payday Super Update explains the new requirement for super contributions to be paid at the same time as wages, while the Payroll and Compliance Changes document outlines key updates affecting payroll processes, tax obligations and superannuation reporting.

We encourage all team members to review both documents to stay informed about what these changes mean and what to expect.

Please see links here:

• Whiddon Payroll Changes
• Whiddon Payday Super

Regards,
Whiddon

Dear Residents and Families,

I am pleased to announce that following a recent recruitment process involving both internal and external applicants, Karuna Banakar has been appointed as the Leisure and Wellbeing Coordinator for Taylor House, effective 27 July 2026.

She will receive handover from outgoing Leisure and Well Being Co-ordinator, Kim Ryan who will then be in well-earned long service leave and heading to happy retirement.

Karuna has demonstrated a strong commitment to our resident’s engagement and team, and I am confident she will make a valuable contribution in her new role.

I am also delighted to share that Lavani Lee will be stepping into the role of Relationship-Based Care (RBC) Coordinator for Taylor House, taking over from Karuna. Lavani brings valuable experience and dedication to the position, and we look forward to her continued success in this important role.

Kind Regards,
Nish Gautam
Residential Services Manager

Dear Team,

This is the week we’ve been working towards! From Tuesday, 21st July, we will officially be going live with Telstra Health – Clinical Manager.

Whiddon team members and Telstra Health representatives will be available all week to provide assistance as you begin using the new system in daily practice.

Thank you for your dedication, training, and teamwork in preparing for this moment. We’re confident this change will support even better care for our residents.

Dear Residents, Families, and Carers,

Next week, Whiddon Easton Park Units will officially begin using the new Clinical Manager system. This is an exciting milestone that will help us deliver care in a more consistent and efficient way.

You may see staff using the system on mobile phones, tablets or computers, but please be assured that your care will continue as usual. The new system is designed to help our team look after you even better.

Thank you for your patience and support as we move to this new way of working. If you have any questions, please contact your local team.

Note – Please do not reply to this message, as the inbox is not monitored. If you have any questions, please contact your RSM.

Whiddon – Easton Park – EPU

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