Royal Freemasons transfers two homes to Respect as its aged care footprint shrinks

Respect continues to expand its reach within the aged care community, taking over the ownership of two regional homes previously operated by Royal Freemasons in Victoria. The sales are part of a strategic change Royal Freemasons is undertaking after it decided to sell its aged care homes in 2022. 

Key points

• Royal Freemasons has transferred the ownership of two residential aged care homes in the eastern Victorian towns of Moe and Sale
• The handover reduces their residential care footprint to seven homes in Metropolitan Melbourne and one in Bendigo
• Respect, meanwhile, now has 24 homes across Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales with the majority located in regional centres
• This includes another recent addition, Costa House, located in Lara near Geelong
• The ownership announcement comes a day after Royal Freemasons named Hugh Cattermole as its new Chief Executive

With the change of ownership expected to become official in February, the trend of regional aged care homes transferring from one operator to another continues. Respect has been one of the major players in this department, offering its services to support small communities.

Another recent example is St Andrew’s in New South Wales, with the not-for-profit operator set to takeover a former Feros Care site in Byron Bay from January 29.

But in Victoria, the latest changes will have the greatest impact after Royal Freemasons determined to rescale its operations as part of its strategic review from 2022. Initially, it was looking to sell all but its Coppin Centre site – while continuing to provide home care services – although there has been no recent update regarding the sale of other residential care sites. 

Royal Freemasons Moe was constructed in 2018 with the AN-ACC funding model cited as one of the reasons why they wanted to hand over their sites to other operators. 

“While we are sad to be saying goodbye to our Moe and Sale communities, we are confident that under Respect’s ownership and management, residents will continue to receive expert care and our staff will continue to work in a supportive environment,” said Craig Head, Royal Freemasons Board Chair.

With fewer regional sites it’s expected that Royal Freemasons will have a stronger focus on its metropolitan aged care offerings across residential and home care settings.

Meanwhile, Hugh Cattermole was also announced as Royal Freemasons new CEO this week, taking over from John Fogarty. Mr Cattermole’s experience as CEO in residential, home care and disability organisations such as Vivir Healthcare and Jewish Care Victoria is likely to have a noticeable influence on their operations. 

“I am thrilled to be joining Royal Freemasons during a time of generational transition and working with the team to ensure the organisation’s rich legacy of supporting older Victorians continues,” said Mr Cattermole. 

January 22 will be his first day as CEO. 

As for Respect, its 11th and 12th aged care homes in Victoria have strengthened their presence in the southeastern state. Nearby operations include Lyrebird Village in Drouin and Mitchell House in Morwell. 

Jason Binder, CEO and Managing Director, said the transfer of ownership secures both homes long-term futures at a time when many regional sites are at risk of shutting down.

“Respect looks forward to welcoming residents, families, and staff into a national organisation that has a strong reputation for compassion and a significant track record in delivering quality service and support to older people,” said Mr Binder.

“We’re excited that we have been given the opportunity and privilege to care for the older people of Sale and Moe, and we look forward to demonstrating the genuine and outstanding care we provide.” 

Mr Binder said their organisation is also proud to build strong connections between staff, residents and clients within their local communities and their organisation’s ongoing growth is a positive sign for all involved. 

“We have a strong belief in creating homes that empower older people to live with meaning and purpose, and part of that is making sure we embed our homes in the community and build strong local connections,” he added.  

“That’s what Respect is about and has been for a century: giving back to older Australians by fostering communities of belonging.”