Whiddon Expands Aged Care Home Capacity to Support Growing Need in Bourke
The increase in capacity at Whiddon Bourke will proudly strengthen access to personalised, relationship-based aged care in the region.
20 July 2025
BOURKE, NSW – 21 JULY 2025
Whiddon has announced plans to expand and refurbish its current residential aged care services in Bourke, responding to increasing community demand and ensuring older people in the region can continue to access high-quality care close to home.
Whiddon Bourke is currently home to 11 residents and currently has a waiting list. Whiddon is pleased to have received an Australian Government grant under the Aged Care Capital Assistance Program, which contributes $951,500 (GST Inc) to much needed building refurbishments for resident rooms and ensuites, enhancements to our kitchen, a courtyard shade structure, construction of a new men’s shed, staff amenities, furniture and expansion of solar power and battery storage technologies.
Whiddon is taking proactive steps to expand its residential capacity, whilst strengthening the quality and personalised nature of care within the tight-knit community. The expansion will see up to three additional rooms made available, representing a 25 per cent increase in accommodation capacity.
“Our Bourke home plays a vital role in the local community, and we’re committed to meeting the needs of older people and their families in the region. This expansion is about strengthening access to aged care in Bourke and supporting people to stay in their community as they age,” said Whiddon CEO, Chris Mamarelis.
“We are proud that we will be able to offer this increased capacity whilst enhancing the relationship-based care that make our small care homes so vibrant and unique.”
To enable this expansion, Whiddon has independently purchased a neighbouring property for staff accommodation. This strategic acquisition allows for the relocation of the live-in Clinical Supervisor, paving the way for the grant-funded works to commence and freeing up space to create the additional resident rooms. The total investment into the Bourke community exceeds $1.2 million.
Renovations to the existing Whiddon care home are expected to commence in October 2025 and be completed in March 2026, with the additional rooms operational shortly after.
Whiddon has been an integral part of the Bourke community for over two decades, providing residential care, respite, and dedicated services to older people in Far West NSW. The latest expansion continues the non-profit organisation’s commitment to strengthening aged care access in rural and remote regions.
With growing demand and persistent workforce challenges in remote communities like Bourke, government grants are essential to support regional aged care providers like Whiddon to expand, adapt, and continue delivering quality care close to home.
Last year, Whiddon completed a two-year project that delivered over $13 million in upgrades to three of its care homes, including updates to resident rooms and the renewal of common areas in its Bourke home.
For more information about Whiddon’s aged care services or to learn more about our Bourke home, visit www.whiddon.com.au
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About Whiddon
Whiddon is an award-winning care provider that aims to inspire every day in its 22 RAC homes, dedicated community care and NDIS support across NSW & SE QLD. 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.
