Whiddon secures $19.5 million grant to invest in regional Temora, NSW – relief and excitement as redevelopment announced to support aussies ageing in home town

If there’s ever been a regional town with spunk and heart, it’s Temora in NSW’s Riverina region. While the 2021 census saw that the town had a population of just over 4,000 people, this town has long shown it punches above its weight. Six years ago, when three of the town’s eight doctors were set to leave, the town rallied to create a cheeky and heart-felt campaign to attract new GPs. In a twist that can be only be seen as deserving and needed for a small town that has championed its worth, Whiddon has secured a long-awaited $19.5 million grant from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to redevelop its Narraburra Residential Aged Care Home in Temora. The news has been met with excitement and relief as Temora’s seniors and loved ones look to age in their cherished regional town.

Close to home

For Temora and the surrounding area, the news of the million dollar grant means that many seniors across the region will continue to be able to access excellent care, particularly relationship-based care, in the only home-town they have known.

Unlike the varied options for aged care found in most high-density metro areas of Australia, for towns in regional Australia and in Temora, the options are few and the need is high. Whiddon Temora is situated to acutely meet community needs, with thirty per cent of the population set to age over 65 this year. Whiddon continues to be the only aged care provider in Temora, with the closest alternative option over 70 km away.

Temora Shire Council Mayor, Rick Firman conveys the sentiment felt by many in the close-knit town, “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.”

Redevelopment needs

The current operation in Temora is split across two facilities, Narraburra Lodge (with 40 beds) and Greenstone Lodge (with 36). As has been the struggle for many conscientious providers, the wear and tear of infrastructure has posed a costly and difficult obstacle to ensure continued safety and high-quality care.

For Greenstone Lodge, the building has reached the end of its fit-for-purpose life, with Whiddon leadership understanding that redevelopment is mandatory to retain the highest safety and care for current and future residents.

“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”, says Whiddon CEO, Chris Mamarelis.

The freshly announced grant is set to not only ensure that the high-quality care is maintained, Whiddon has also indicated plans to strategically use the grant to consolidate and expand services.

Meeting growing needs

Whiddon has announced that the grant will fund the construction of a new two-storey wing in the Greenstone Lodge, set to be able to receive 54 modern aged care placements. Up 16 beds, in their part, Whiddon seeks to meet the need of more beds for Australia’s growing population.

The new development is being crafted to deliver the foremost in dementia-friendly design. With dedicated clinical training space and upgrades to essential back-of-house areas, including kitchen and laundry, and the integration of the new development with existing, Whiddon showcases a move to maximise the efficacy of the grant for those that need it most. Considering not only the seniors in care but the many front-line staff integral to regional aged care work, redevelopment continues to be an opportunity for providers to elevate planning and delivery for all clients and staff.

Set to sit at 92 aged care places, the announcement and project has hit a chord not just with Whiddon, who have voiced the sustained effort working towards this grant but critically, with the seniors who had been considering ageing in significant isolation leaving their home town and family.

Whiddon’s Mamarelis shares, “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.”

Work begun

To meet the needs of the seniors ageing into care, particularly those with dementia, Whiddon has understood the need for timely development. The organisation has already invested $3 million into early works, including a carpark, home-style kitchen and laundry. The need for quality aged care is only increasing, and the opportunity to display a commitment to meeting that need for some of Australia’s most vulnerable, is not only an ethical opportunity advocates outline, but a strategic one as well.

While waiting for funding Whiddon opted to commence spending money, many of Temora’s residents have taken note of that, as well as industry players in the region. Whiddon too has publicly noted that throughout the redevelopment project, policy and programming has been established to support all existing residents and staff to safeguard against disruption.

With the grant fully announced, the full project is set to begin in full swing, “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”, Mamarelis shares.

Within the first six months of this year, the full scale redevelopment is to be underway. Whiddon estimates around $25 million in construction development costs, to pursue highest quality upgrades with significant opportunities for regional trades and suppliers.

Part of the community

For the staff that have worked at Whiddon’s Narraburra and Greenstone Lodges, the close relationships that have formed are evident in the messaging that has been active on social media and through public sector channels.

Whether staff have grown up in Temora, or moved to the town to work at either Whiddon Lodge, the support of regional aged care offerings by government and providers means impacting what many in the town see as family.

Firman shares, “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.”