Quirindi Care Services (QCS) recently transitioned its aged care operations to Apollo Care, securing the long-term future of residential aged care in the Liverpool Plains after years of increasing financial pressure.
The transition, effective 1 September 2025, follows an extensive review and community consultation process. The organisation, which operates the 59-bed Eloura facility and employs around 80 staff, had been struggling to remain financially viable — a challenge shared by many small regional providers.
General Manager and RN Kim Riley said the decision to seek a buyer or merger came from necessity.
“We were providing quality care, but not making enough money to remain sustainable,” she said. “The Board had to act before it was too late.”
An independent business review, funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care and conducted by EY, confirmed that QCS was unlikely to trade out of its losses. The Board began exploring options, with 32 information memorandums sent out to interested parties, receiving 5 genuine inquiries and 2 formal responses for short listing and interviews.
Why Apollo Care was selected
According to Ms Riley, Apollo Care stood out for several reasons, including its commitment to maintaining QCS’s identity, its investment capability, and its pledge to retain all staff.
“They promised to keep all positions — and they’ve honoured that promise,” she said. “They also saw the value in preserving our Public Benevolent Institution status and keeping the Eloura name. That meant a lot to our community.”
Chair during the transition, Mike Lomax, said Apollo Care’s scale, technology capability and respect for local legacy were decisive.
“Other bidders would have replaced our name and branding,” he said. “Apollo Care recognised the importance of our 50-year history and the fact that this facility was built through community effort.”
Community transparency and strong support
Throughout the process, QCS maintained close communication with residents, families, Council and the business chamber.
“There were no surprises,” Ms Riley said. “We were open and transparent every step of the way.”
In July 2025, QCS members voted unanimously to approve the transition, with only one abstention. The merger was completed on 31 August, and operational control shifted the following day.
A supported transition
Apollo Care has taken a hands-on role, with senior staff on site during the initial six weeks and ongoing weekly meetings with the QCS team.
The early transition focus includes:
- Upgrading Wi-Fi and IT infrastructure
- Aligning Eloura with Apollo Care’s operating systems – scheduled for go-live in early 2026
- Planning capital enhancements based on programs delivered at other Apollo Care sites
“Change is never easy, but the buy-in from staff and families has made this process smooth.”
Kim Riley, RN and General Manager, Quirindi Care Services
Safeguarding aged care in Quirindi
Without a merger, both Ms Riley and Mr Lomax say residents would have faced relocation to Tamworth or elsewhere.
“It would have been devastating for the community,” Ms Riley said. “This transition means older people can remain close to family, and our staff can stay in the district.”
Mr Lomax, now retired from the Board after serving the maximum 6 years per their constitution, believes the outcome offers a model for other regional providers facing similar financial strain.
“My advice is simple — give John Young or Stephen Becsi a call (Apollo Care),” he shared. “Their model works for rural communities. They bring the expertise while respecting local identity.”
