Whiddon Temora Redevelopment Secures $21 Million Federal Government Grant
The $19.5 million investment secures a future of high-quality aged care for the Temora community.
22 December 2025
Temora, NSW – December 23, 2025— Whiddon has secured a long-awaited $19.5 million grant from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s Aged Care Capital Assistance Program – Critical Infrastructure Projects to redevelop its Narraburra Residential Aged Care Home in Temora, ensuring the region’s older residents can continue to access high-quality, relationship-based care close to home.
The grant will fund the construction of a new two-storey wing featuring 54 modern aged care places, dementia-friendly design, and dedicated clinical training spaces. Significant upgrades to essential back-of-house areas, including the kitchen and laundry, and integration of the existing building with the new building are also part of the redevelopment.
As the only residential aged care provider in Temora, Whiddon currently operates Narraburra Lodge (40 beds) and Greenstone Lodge (36 beds). While Greenstone Lodge has served residents with care and comfort for many years, the building has reached the end of its useful life. The newly announced grant will facilitate the consolidation and expansion of services, growing our capacity to 92 aged care places - an increase of 16 beds - allowing us to care for more residents and meet growing demand in the Temora Shire.
Whiddon CEO Chris Mamarelis said the funding represents a vital investment in the future of aged care for the Temora community:
"We are extremely appreciative of this grant opportunity, which is critical in bringing this vital project to life. This funding underpins the important role Government plays, partnering with providers to deliver quality care outcomes for regional communities."
"Whiddon has consistently invested, advocated, and served regional Australia and with the support of the Commonwealth, we are now investing in the future of aged care in the Temora Shire."
He continues, "It’s not just about bricks and mortar — it’s about ensuring that older Australians in regional communities have access to high-quality, dignified care close to home. The grant allows us to consolidate services, expand capacity, and deliver a modern, dementia-friendly environment that reflects best-practice design. We’ve advocated strongly for years for this outcome, and I’m proud of the collaboration between Whiddon, local leaders, and government to make it happen. This is a great example of how providers and Government can work together to ensure we’re meeting aged care demand in regional locations - a win for Temora Shire, and a step forward for regional aged care."
The Whiddon Temora redevelopment responds to an urgent community need, with almost 30 per cent of Temora’s population expected to be aged over 65 years by 2026. Whiddon is the only Aged Care provider in Temora, with the nearest alternate home over 70 km away.
Whiddon has already invested $3 million into early works, including a new carpark, home-style kitchen and laundry, demonstrating its commitment to advancing the project while awaiting full redevelopment funding.
Construction is due to commence in the first half of 2026, with approximately $25 million in construction investment, which will see strong engagement with regional trades and suppliers. Greenstone Lodge will remain in operation until the new development is finished, when residents will relocate to the upgraded service. Throughout the redevelopment, Whiddon will provide dedicated support to all existing residents and work to ensure the project causes minimal disruption.
Temora Shire Council Mayor Rick Firman welcomed the announcement, calling it a transformative milestone for the region.
"Temora Shire Council values the strong partnership we share with Whiddon’s Board and team, particularly CEO Mr Mamarelis. He and his team have worked tirelessly to help secure this funding, and for that we are deeply grateful."
He added, "We also extend our sincere thanks to the Federal Government for this significant investment in our community. We’re thrilled for Gail Lynch, Whiddon Temora’s Residential Services Manager, and her dedicated team—they truly deserve this exciting new chapter. Council looks forward to continuing our collaboration with Mr Mamarelis and Whiddon to deliver a very special aged care home for Temora."
The redevelopment underscores Whiddon’s long-standing commitment to enriching the lives of older Australians in regional and remote communities, combining modern infrastructure with the warmth and connection that defines life at Whiddon.
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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 & Southeast 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.
