Regional aged care provider Respect has announced its entry into the Queensland aged care market through the acquisition of seven BlueCare aged care homes and four co-located retirement villages. The acquisition, which includes homes in Emerald, Gracemere, Hervey Bay, Ingham, Maleny, Mareeba, and Toogoolawah, marks Respect’s first operations in Queensland.
The transfer will be managed through a comprehensive transition plan aimed at maintaining consistent care for residents and ensuring continued employment for staff. Respect CEO Jason Binder said the organisation is committed to building on BlueCare’s strong legacy in regional Queensland. “Like BlueCare, Respect is dedicated to delivering exceptional care for older people in rural and regional Australia. We’re excited to welcome residents, families, and staff into our organisation, which has a proven track record of quality care and community investment,” he said.
BlueCare’s Group Executive Aged Care and Community Services, Cathy Thomas, said the decision to transfer ownership to Respect was made after careful deliberation. “We have chosen Respect due to their strong values alignment and commitment to preserving the legacies of these homes,” she said.
“This decision ensures that these communities remain well-supported while BlueCare continues to evolve to meet changing customer needs across Queensland.”
Cathy Thomas
Mareeba (left), Toogoolawah Alkira (top right), Emerald Avalon (middle right) and Gracemere (bottom right).
The acquisition comes as Respect continues to expand nationally, following its recent entry into Western Australia. Mr Binder emphasised that Respect’s regional focus and mission-driven approach remain central to its growth strategy. “We believe that every Australian, no matter where they live, deserves the best care available,” he said.
The transition is expected to be completed in the coming months, pending regulatory approvals, with a dedicated transition team in Queensland to support residents, families, and staff throughout the process.
