Category: Uncategorized

Hi team,

I wanted to provide an update regarding travel allowances for our Home Care teams.

As you know, we temporarily increased the kilometre reimbursement rate in response to significant rises in fuel prices. We implemented this change for a period of three month which concludes on the 30^th June. We have continued to monitor fuel trends, which indicates that fuel prices have now stabilised compared to the elevated levels we saw previously.

Based on this, we will be reverting to the original vehicle allowance of $1.00 per kilometre, effective from the first pay period in July.

It’s important to note that even at this rate, Whiddon continues to reimburse travel at approximately 12 cents above the ATO cents-per-kilometre rate. This rate is intended to cover not only fuel, but also vehicle wear and tear, servicing, and maintenance. Our assessment is that the $1.00 per kilometre allowance continues to adequately support these costs.

We recognise that fuel pricing can change, and we want to reassure you that we will continue to monitor this closely.

We appreciate the important work you do every day supporting our clients in their homes and communities and thank you for your continued flexibility.

If you have any questions, please speak with your manager.

Regards,
Alyson

Dear Residents, Families and Representatives,

I am writing to advise a Police Investigation is underway involving an alleged incident that occurred at Mareeba Maclean approximately 2 years ago.

Yesterday,  Police attended our Home as part of their investigation.

We understand that it is in relation to a serious matter involving one of our residents. Given that this is a formal investigation, we are unable to provide any further information at this time.  At this point, based on available information, this is considered an isolated incident with no identified risk to our residents.

We have spoken directly with the resident involved, and their family, and are providing support and our full cooperation as the investigation unfolds.

Once we have been briefed by Police on the outcome of their investigation, we will update you as soon as possible.

We thank you for your understanding.

Cathie Tees

RSM, Whiddon Maclean Mareeba

Dear Team,

I am writing to advise a Police Investigation is underway involving an alleged incident that occurred at Mareeba Maclean approximately 2 years ago.

Yesterday, police attended our Home as part of their investigations.

We understand that it is in relation to a serious matter involving one of our residents. Some Employees may be interviewed by the Police to assist in their investigation. Given that this is a formal investigation, we are unable to provide any further information at this time.  At this point, based on available information, this is considered an isolated incident with no identified risk to our residents.

We have spoken directly with the resident involved, and their family, and are providing support and our full cooperation as the investigation unfolds.

We understand that this has caused some disruption and concern in the Home. Please reach out directly to your Manager if you need support.

Once we have been briefed by Police on the outcome of their investigation, we will update you as soon as possible.

We remind all Team Members of our Media Policy, which requires that only our RSM Cathie Tees, is authorised to speak with Media.

We thank you for your understanding.

Cathie Tees

RSM, Whiddon Maclean Mareeba

Dear Residents, Families, and Carers,

Next week, Whiddon Easton Park – Taylor House 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.

Dear Residents, Families, and Carers,

Next week, Whiddon Easton Park – Sir David Martin 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.

Dear Team,

This is the week we’ve been working towards! From Tuesday, 23rd June, 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 Families, Friends & Representatives,

We are pleased to advise our Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) outbreak in Whiddon Kyogle has officially been declared over.

Masks are no longer required. If you are unwell, or experiencing flu-like symptoms, please consider postponing your visit. The safety of our residents and team members is our number one priority.

We thank everyone for their support and understanding while our team managed this outbreak.

Whiddon Kyogle Team

Dear Residents and families

We would like to inform you that following an unexpected structural incident in the main dining room, the space will be temporarily unavailable for all meals. The dining room will be vacated for an estimated period of three weeks while necessary works are completed.

During this time, residents will continue to be supported to enjoy their meals in alternative locations, including:

• In resident’s rooms
• In the courtyard (weather permitting)
• In Rose Cottage

Our team remains committed to ensuring that mealtime experiences continue with minimal disruption to routine and programming.

We sincerely appreciate your patience, understanding and support during this period as we work to safely restore the dining space.

If you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to speak with a member of our team.

Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,

Please be advised that we currently have a Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) outbreak in Whiddon Kyogle.

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.

Surgical masks are to be worn by all visitors. Please also attend to hand hygiene when entering the home.

Please note: If you are unwell or have any flu-like symptoms, we ask that you please do not visit the home.

We appreciate your understanding and support. Our team is here to provide the best possible care for your loved ones and we are confident that we can manage this outbreak effectively.

– The Whiddon Team

Dear Team Taylor House,

As you are aware, we currently have confirmed cases of Rhinovirus at Taylor House and some residents experiencing flu like symptoms.

As a precaution, please note all visitors and employees of Taylor House are required to wear a surgical mask in all wings.

Please do not attend work if you have got flu like symptoms and inform RN/Admin or management. Everyone is also encouraged to get their flu vaccination if not already.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping everyone safe.

– Nish Gautam
Residential Services Manager