Sweet Success! Whiddon Robert Young Narrabri Residents Bring Holiday Magic to Award-Winning Gingerbread Creation
Robert Young Narrabri takes the top spot in the 2025 Gingerbread House Competition, delighting with creativity, teamwork, and festive cheer in this year’s beloved Whiddon tradition.
18 December 2025
Leading regional aged care provider, Whiddon, is delighted to announce that Whiddon Robert Young Narrabri has been crowned the winner of the 2025 Whiddon Gingerbread House Competition.
Each year, residents from Whiddon’s 23 RAC homes across regional and rural NSW and Southeast QLD participate in this annual decorating competition. The event invites residents to come together and embrace the Christmas spirit, building edible gingerbread houses and village displays for the chance to win prizes.
Residents and staff work side by side to plan, design, and decorate their creations, enjoying plenty of laughter along the way — with many lollies and gingerbread sampled!
Whiddon Robert Young Narrabri’s display captured the judges’ hearts with a stunning recreation of Sydney’s iconic St Mary’s Cathedral, delicately decorated with sweet treats and festive flair.
Residents and clients were actively involved at every stage, from planning and constructing to decorating each sweet detail. The result is a magical display that not only celebrates the festive season but also strengthens connections and creates joyful memories across the community.
Judging is based on resident participation, the creativity of the theme or story that represents the home and community, and the overall Christmas magic of each display.
Alex Drysdale, Group Food Services Manager at Whiddon said:
"Our residents absolutely loved bringing their gingerbread creation to life. From designing each house to decorating every sweet detail, there was laughter, teamwork, and so much festive joy. Seeing everyone come together, sharing stories and smiles, really captured the magic of the season and made this experience truly special."
Whiddon’s Chief Customer Experience Officer, Michael Monteleone, said:
“The Gingerbread House Competition is a highlight of our festive season, bringing residents, clients, and staff together to share in the joy of Christmas. Each creation is a testament to imagination, community, and connection — and this year’s entries are truly magical.”
While Robert Young Narrabri claimed the grand prize, judges also recognised outstanding efforts across other regions:
- Second Place: Whiddon Bourke
- Third Place: Whiddon Easton Park
Since its inception to foster connection and joy post-COVID, the Whiddon Gingerbread House Competition has become a cherished tradition, dazzling the Whiddon community and spreading festive cheer to residents, staff, and families alike.
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.
