Garden Glory: Whiddon Maclean Mareeba Blossoms to Victory in 2025 Whiddon Spring Garden Competition
From planning to planting, residents at Whiddon Maclean Mareeba poured their hearts into every detail, bringing joy, creativity and teamwork to their award-winning garden.
11 December 2025
Leading regional aged care provider Whiddon is delighted to announce Maclean Mareeba as the Grand Prize Winner of the 2025 Whiddon Spring Garden Competition, selected from entries across Whiddon’s Residential Aged Care (RAC) homes, Retirement Villages, and Home Care clients.
As Whiddon’s newest home, Maclean Mareeba has burst onto the scene in spectacular fashion, taking the top spot in the 2025 Whiddon Spring Garden Competition and winning $5,000 to continue growing their flourishing outdoor spaces for its residents, employees and visitors.
Their garden captivated judges with its thoughtful design, resident involvement and stunning Rainbow Serpent artwork. Created in partnership with a local artist, the piece represents a meaningful connection to community and Country, tying together culture, storytelling and nature in one striking installation.
“Our residents truly embraced this year’s Spring Garden Competition. From choosing plants and creating decorations to sharing stories and laughter, every moment was filled with joy and teamwork. It’s wonderful to see their creativity and community spirit come to life in the garden,” said Cathie Tees, RSM at Maclean Mareeba.
Chief Customer Experience Officer, Michael Monteleone, said the standard of entries this year was inspiring:
“The spirit of creativity, collaboration and community that our residents, clients and teams demonstrate each year is truly incredible. The Spring Garden Competition brings people together, encourages self-expression, and creates beautiful spaces that support wellbeing — and this year’s entries have once again exceeded expectations.”
While Maclean Mareeba claimed the grand prize, the judges also recognised outstanding efforts across other regions, including:
- EP & Hunter Region: Taylor House – Coates Wing Courtyard Refresh
- Far West Region: Narrabri Jessie Hunt – Remembrance Garden
- Southern Region: Temora – Harmony Garden
Among this year’s winners, Wingham truly stole the show — taking out the wildcard winner title with a sunflower that shot up to an incredible 2.2 metres!
Whiddon’s Spring Garden Competition continues to be enriched by the support of local community groups. Gardening clubs, Men’s Shed groups, volunteers, families, and school students generously contributed time, tools, and creativity, playing an important role in helping residents bring their garden visions to life.
Whiddon’s catering teams also supported celebrations with garden-themed morning teas and cooking clubs, adding to the camaraderie and festive spirit across homes.
The 2025 competition has created more than beautiful outdoor spaces; it has fostered deeper connections, sparked creativity, and brought communities together.
About Whiddon
Whiddon is an award-winning care provider that aims to inspire every day in its 23 RAC homes, dedicated home care, NDIS support across NSW & SE QLD as well as its 12 Retirement Villages. Its purpose is to enrich people’s lives and make a real difference.
Whiddon has been providing exceptional care to older Australians and people with disabilities across regional, rural, and remote NSW and QLD for more than 75 years.
Whiddon proudly partners with academics and universities to remain at the forefront of innovation as it leads the latest thinking, programs, and training around quality of life and ageing.
