Capecare turns 65: sharing our story

This September marks 65 years since the organisation we now know as Capecarewas established – and we’re celebrating by looking back at the people, stories andcommunity connections that have shaped us since 1961.

Capecare began as Villa Maria Homes, founded through the generosity and vision of Jack and Maud Ray and Maud’s brother, Monsignor Charles Cunningham. Jack and Maud offered their Broadwater land to create accommodation and care for older people, and Villa Maria Homes was incorporated on 18 September 1961.

From those beginnings, the organisation continued to grow and evolve. Independent accommodation was joined by hostel and nursing care, new buildings and wings were added, and support eventually extended beyond the Busselton site and into people’s homes and the wider community. Along the way, Villa Maria Homes became Ray Village and, later, Capecare.

Today, Capecare provides residential aged care, home and community care, retirement living, respite and social and wellbeing services across Busselton, Dunsborough and surrounding communities. While the services, buildings and the way care is delivered have changed enormously, the values underpinning the organisation have remained remarkably consistent: compassion, respect, connection and a commitment to helping older people live well.

To mark our 65th anniversary, we are creating a special historical exhibition at Capecare Busselton, opening on Friday 18 September. Drawing on photographs, newspaper clippings, oral histories and memorabilia from our archives, the exhibition will share stories of our founders, residents, staff and volunteers, as well as the everyday moments that have made Capecare part of the south west community for more than six decades.

The exhibition will remain on display until 30 October 2026, and visitors are warmly invited to call in during our usual opening hours and take a look.