Respect grows further with BlueCare takeover
Aged care provider Respect continues its year of expansion with its takeover of several BlueCare sites across regional Queensland.
Not-for-profit provider Respect has taken over ownership of seven BlueCare aged care homes and four co-located retirement villages in Emerald, Gracemere, Hervey Bay, Ingham, Maleny, Mareeba and Toogoolawah – marking its first operations in Queensland.
The sites include:
- Emerald Avalon – a 60-bed aged care home
- Gracemere – a 69-bed aged care home and 22-unit Gracemere Gardens retirement village
- Hervey Bay Masters lodge – a 60-bed aged care home and 18-unit retirement village
- Ingham Bluehaven – a 50-bed aged care home
- Maleny Erowal – an 82-bed aged care home and 15-unit Ben Bryce retirement village
- Mareeba – a 64-bed aged care home
- Toogoolawah Alkira – a 41-bed aged care home and 14-unit retirement village
Above left: Hervey Bay Masters Lodge (left), Ingham Bluehaven (top right), Melany Erowal (bottom right) (BlueCare)
Above right: Mareeba (left), Toogoolawah Alkira (top right), Emerald Avalon (middle right) Gracemere (bottom right) (BlueCare)
Owned by UnitingCare Queensland, BlueCare was rocked by worker strikes in 2022 over pay rates and shut down operations at its Milibank Facility in June 2023, which attracted further pressure from the union to safeguard jobs.
Respect chief executive officer and managing director Jason Binder said his organisation was eager to strengthen aged care service availability in regional Queensland.
“Like BlueCare, Respect is committed to delivering exceptional care for older people living in rural and regional Australia and ensuring high-level services continue to be sustainable and available for families in need,” Mr Binder said.
“We believe our structure, expertise, and commitment to person-centred care will ensure a strong future for each of these services. We’re excited to welcome residents, families, and staff into our national organisation, which is backed by a strong reputation for compassion and a significant track record in delivering quality service and support, while also investing back into local communities.”
The transfer of ownership will involve a comprehensive transition plan – including a dedicated transition team based in Queensland to support residents, families and employees as they navigate the process. Consistency of care and services for residents and the continuation of employment for staff is a priority.
Respect recently expanded its service delivery to Western Australia too, following the transfer of Amana Living’s Kalgoorlie operations.
“As one of Australia’s largest regional aged care providers, we take a lot of pride in our commitment to the heart of this country – its regions. Our belief is that every Australian, no matter where they live, deserves the best care available,” Mr Binder said.
“It’s what Respect is all about: giving back to older Australians by fostering communities of belonging.
“We feel privileged to bring this commitment to the people of regional Queensland. Together with residents, staff and the community, we’re keen to embark on the next chapter of each of these homes and village’s growing history, as we welcome them to our Respect family.”
Group executive of aged care and community services Cathy Thomas – who was recently announced as interim chief executive officer of UnitingCare Queensland – said BlueCare was pleased to have selected Respect to continue delivering high quality care.
“Following careful and thoughtful deliberations, we have chosen Respect to take on ownership of these homes, given the strong values alignment and their commitment to building upon the legacies of these homes in their communities,” Ms Thomas said.
“This was not a decision we took lightly but is one we believe is in the best interests of residents, employees and communities as we respond to significant transformation in the aged care sector.
“We have shared this news with our residents, families and employees and are committed to providing information and support throughout a carefully managed transition with Respect.
“This secures bright futures for these aged care and retirement living communities and also ensures BlueCare remains well-positioned to continue delivering trusted, high-quality aged care across Queensland, while evolving to meet changing customer needs.”
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