Respect Aged Care expands north with major BlueCare acquisition
Published on 20 May 2025
Respect Aged Care is officially heading north after announcing that it will take ownership of seven regional BlueCare residential aged care homes in Queensland.
From humble beginnings in Tasmania, Respect manages 27 residential care and retirement living sites across the Apple Isle, Victoria and New South Wales.
Another recent addition — its 28th home — was the first Western Australian aged care community comprising Edward Collick Home, Muschamp VIllage, and associated home care services, all in the Kalgoorlie region.
The Queensland expansion is a significant step forward for Respect and its Chief Executive Officer, Jason Binder, who said the organisation is eager to build on BlueCare’s local legacy in each community.
“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.”
BlueCare, a not-for-profit provider under the broader UnitingCare umbrella, will transfer seven aged care homes and four co-located retirement villages to Respect, subject to regulatory approvals. The homes changing hands are:
- Emerald Avalon: 60-bed residential aged care home
- Gracemere: 69-bed residential aged care home and the 22-unit Gracemere Gardens retirement village
- Hervey Bay Masters Lodge: 60-bed residential aged care home and an 18-unit retirement village
- Ingham Bluehaven: 50-bed residential aged care home
- Maleny Erowal: 82-bed residential aged care home and the 15-unit Ben Bryce retirement village
- Mareeba: 64-bed residential aged care home
- Toogoolawah Alkira: 41-bed residential aged care home and 14-unit retirement village
With over 40 homes and communities in its portfolio, BlueCare will retain a strong presence in the residential care space, and continue to provide home care services under Support at Home and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).
The organisation said the decision followed a thorough and thoughtful process. Cathy Thomas, Group Executive Aged Care and Community Services, said the decision was not made lightly, however, the evolving landscape of the aged care sector meant this was the best move forward to ensure long-term sustainability of services.
“We are pleased to have selected Respect to continue delivering high-quality care through these services,” Ms Thomas said. “Their values closely align with ours and they are committed to building upon the legacies of these homes in their communities,” Ms Thomas said.
“This move secures a bright future for these aged care and retirement living communities while ensuring BlueCare remains well-positioned to continue delivering trusted, high-quality aged care across Queensland and adapting to meet changing customer needs.”
Mr Binder said the ongoing growth for Respect is positive news for the thriving organisation and the older people it supports.
However, he emphasised that he is most pleased by retaining Respect’s core mission and values at the centre of expansion.
“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,” he 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 kick off the next chapter of each of these homes and village’s growing history, as we welcome them to our Respect family.”
A dedicated transition team will support residents, families and employees over the coming months.