Respect Welcomes New Communities as We Expand into Queensland

Pictured above: Welcoming staff at Maleny Erowal (L) and Toogoolawah Alkira (R) homes to the Respect family. 

2025 has already been a milestone year for Respect and this week provided another memorable moment for our organisation! 

Marking the start of July, we were excited to officially welcome seven aged care homes and four co-located retirement villages in Queensland to our Respect family – establishing our presence in the state for the very first time.

Previously run by fellow not-for-profit provider BlueCare, the homes and villages were formally transferred to Respect following a carefully managed and comprehensive transition plan. 

And now, together with local staff, we’re looking forward to building on the strong legacy of trusted, high-quality care that BlueCare has established through each of the aged care communities in Emerald, Gracemere, Hervey Bay, Ingham, Maleny, Mareeba and Toogoolawah.

As our CEO Jason Binder said when news of the transfer was first announced in May, Respect was driven by an ambition to further strengthen aged care services in regional Queensland.

“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,” Jason 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.” 

With the homes and villages representing our first operations in Queensland, Jason said Respect’s ongoing growth continues to signal positive news for our organisation and the older people we support. However, he was most pleased by the fact that Respect’s core mission and values continue to sit at the centre of our 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,” Jason 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.” 

To mark the homes and villages’ successful transfer to Respect, our team members from across the country travelled to regional Queensland to be with local staff. Not only was it an opportunity to support them through our ongoing integration activities in-person, but it also gave them a chance to warmly welcome their newest colleagues face-to-face. It was also a fantastic occasion to meet residents and their loved ones too! 

A big thank you to everyone who played such a vital role leading up to the transfer on 1 July 2025.