Regional BlueCare aged homes find new ownership with Respect

Not-for-profit business Respect has announced it will take on ownership of seven BlueCare aged care homes and four co-located retirement villages in a move that will establish the specialist provider in Queensland for the first time.

Respect is set to take over aged care homes and retirement villages in Emerald, Gracemere, Hervey Bay, Ingham, Maleny, Mareeba and Toogoolawah.

The ownership transfer will take place through a carefully managed and comprehensive transition plan, prioritising consistency of care and services for residents and continuation of employment for staff, a statement from Respect said.

Jason Binder, chief executive and managing director of Respect, said his organisation was eager to build on BlueCare’s great local legacy in each community 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,” Mr Binder said.

BlueCare will transfer the following operations to Respect: 

• Emerald Avalon, a 60-bed residential aged care home  
• Gracemere, a 69-bed residential aged care home and the 22-unit Gracemere Gardens retirement village  
• Hervey Bay Masters Lodge, a 60-bed residential aged care home and an 18-unit retirement village  
• Ingham Bluehaven, a 50-bed residential aged care home  
• Maleny Erowal, an 82-bed residential aged care home and the 15-unit Ben Bryce retirement village 
• Mareeba, a 64-bed residential aged care home 
• Toogoolawah Alkira, a 41-bed residential aged care home and 14-unit retirement village. 

“This was not a decision we took lightly but is one we believe is in the best interests of residents, employees and communities as we respond to significant transformation in the aged care sector.

“We have shared this news with our residents, families and employees and are committed to providing information and support throughout a carefully managed transition with Respect.

“This secures bright futures for these aged care and retirement living communities and also ensures BlueCare remains well-positioned to continue delivering trusted, high-quality aged care across Queensland, while evolving to meet changing customer needs.”

The transfer continues a busy 2025 for Respect, which also recently expanded its support of older Australians into Western Australia.

With this upcoming transfer representing the provider’s first operations in Queensland, Mr Binder said Respect’s ongoing growth continues to signal positive news for the organisation and the older people it supports.

However, he is most pleased by the fact Respect’s core mission and values continue to sit at the centre of their 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,” Mr Binder 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 embark on the next chapter of each of these homes and village’s growing history, as we welcome them to our Respect family.”

In the lead-up to transfer, a dedicated transition team will be based in Queensland to support residents, families, and employees throughout the process.

The transition is expected to be completed in the coming months subject to regulatory approvals.

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Originally published as: Seven BlueCare aged homes to find new ownership with Respect