Community News & Archives

Celebrating our people at the 2026 Winter Warmer

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Capecare staff from across Busselton, Dunsborough and Community services came together at Abbey Beach Resort on Friday night for our annual Winter Warmer – an opportunity to celebrate our people and recognise the contribution they make to Capecare and the people we support.

A highlight of the evening was the announcement of Cindy Brovadan (pictured with CEO Tim Nayton) from our hospitality team as our 2026 Capecare Way Champion.

Cindy was recognised for the genuine care, reliability and attention to detail she brings to her work every day, and the many quiet ways she goes above and beyond for residents and colleagues without seeking recognition.

Congratulations also went to fellow Capecare Way Champion nominees Roy Kim, Sharon Taylor and Clare Simcock, whose nominations reflected the care, commitment and support they bring to their roles.

The evening also recognised staff reaching significant service milestones, led by Therapy Assistant Christine Hope and Carer Karen Moylan, who have each contributed an incredible 20 years of service to Capecare.

Karen joined Capecare as a Carer in 2006 and has earned enormous respect from colleagues for her hard work, reliability and quiet dedication to residents. Christine began in Community services before moving to the Social Centre, where her enthusiasm, humour and willingness to join in have helped create connection and enjoyment for clients for many years.

We also congratulated Violet Angel, Paula Watkins, Gail Barnett and Kelley Robinson on 15 years of service; Benjamin Boehme, Cindy Brovadan, Leanne Thackrah and Natasha Holtmeulen on 10 years; and Susan Stevenson, Kristy-Lee Page, Emma Watson, Susan Ellis, Irene Katumba, Maurita Cattlin and Debra Brown on five years.

Nine team members were also recognised for completing their traineeships: Romulo Ang, Michelle Beer, Carina Bruce, Zanthee Carter, Violet Chandler, Jennifer Clements, Kira Espinos, Emily Whitbread and Courtney Smith.

The evening included the launch of our refreshed Capecare Way values, along with food, quizzes, games and plenty of opportunities for our teams to enjoy some time together.

A big thank you also goes to the local businesses who generously donated prizes for the evening: Orana Cinemas, Deep Woods Estate, Happs Winery, Text & Co, Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, Beach Lifestyle Living, Busselton Pharmacy 777, Tonic by The Bay, Callows Corner News, Otis | The Leisure Collective, Abbey Beach Resort, Rocky Ridge, Merchant & Maker and Dunsborough Outdoor Sportz.

Congratulations to all of our nominees, service award recipients and graduating trainees – and thank you for everything you contribute to Capecare.

Two older ladies smiling for the camera standing in a courtyard with their arms around eachother's backsCapecare

Together every step of the way: June and Clare’s aged care story

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After almost two decades as neighbours at Busselton’s Ray Village retirement units, best friends June Ridley and Clare McMulkin moved into Capecare Busselton residential care just one week apart. Their story reflects the comfort that familiar people, places and support can bring as care needs change.

June and Clare first met through lawn bowls, but their friendship truly flourished after they moved into Ray Village within a week of each other in 2008. As next-door neighbours for 19 years, they shared everyday conversations, Village activities and celebrations, while supporting one another through the changes that come with growing older.

“We all looked after one another,” June said of life and the friendships they formed at the Village.

Both women also love the beachside living Capecare provides. June visited the beach most days when living in her unit, while Clare regularly walked along the coastal path towards the yacht club.

As their needs changed, both women began receiving Capecare Community home care services in their Ray Village units, including help with cleaning, meal preparation and personal care. Having support come to them allowed June and Clare to remain living independently for much longer.

“We had plenty of help,” Clare said. “We were looked after, just the same as we are looked after here.”

Eventually, both women reached the point where residential aged care offered the reassurance and day-to-day support they needed. It was an important decision, and one they each made for themselves.

For June, who just turned 94, part of the decision was a desire to ease the responsibility on her children, who live outside Busselton. Her son had been travelling from Perth each week to support her.

“I wanted to give my children some free time,” she said. “They’ve got their lives to live. We’ve lived ours.”

At age 99, Clare also recognised that she was spending increasing amounts of time on her own and would benefit from having more support around her.

Both women reached the same conclusion themselves. “It was our decision,” Clare said. “That was important.”

Although moving into residential care is a significant adjustment, there was comfort for June and Clare in already knowing and trusting Capecare. They were familiar with the organisation through their years living at Ray Village and the home care support they had received. Clare had also volunteered in the Shop at Capecare Busselton and knew the buildings and many of the people working there.

Staff members who had previously helped with maintenance and gardening at their units recognised them when they moved into residential care. “It makes you feel good,” Clare said.

Another welcome and familiar face was Capecare Property Manager Kelley Robinson, who had previously helped manage Ray Village and had known both women for many years. Kelley continues to visit June and Clare regularly and has been available to help them navigate their new surroundings and resolve any concerns.

For June, knowing her best friend would also be moving into Capecare Busselton made an enormous difference.

“When I knew Clare was coming, I was so happy,” she said. “Someone I know, someone I love.”

June moved in first, with Clare following a week later—just as they had moved into their Ray Village units within a week of one another many years before.

The friends are honest that residential care brings change. There are new routines to become accustomed to, new surroundings to learn and moments when people naturally wonder whether they could have continued managing at home.

However, they have found kindness, companionship and plenty of support.

“The staff are really lovely,” Clare said. “They can’t do enough for you.”

June agrees that kindness matters most.

“They’re kind, and that’s the main thing,” she said.

The pair enjoy sharing meals with the other residents, describing the dining table as being like “one big family”. They take part in activities that keep them engaged and connected and particularly enjoy regular visits from local schoolchildren.

Clare continues to enjoy regular strolls around the Capecare grounds and neighbouring Ray Village. A weekly game of canasta with Village friends remains a highlight, and she regularly enjoys outings with her family. Maintaining these longstanding relationships and routines has helped her remain connected to the life she enjoyed before moving.

“I’ve always been a walker,” Clare said, recalling the bushwalks and orchid-spotting trips she enjoyed while visiting her son and daughter-in-law in Leeman.
June and Clare’s journey—from independent retirement living, through home care and into residential aged care—shows the value of having trusted support that can adapt over time.

While their surroundings and care needs have changed, the relationships they built have continued. For June and Clare, that continuity has meant entering the next stage of life together, surrounded by people who already know their stories.

And, just as they did at Ray Village, the best friends remain side by side.

Celebrating our volunteers who bring connection, kindness and joy

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This National Volunteer Week, we celebrate the wonderful people who give their time, kindness and companionship to Capecare.

On Friday, a number of our volunteers gathered for a special morning tea at Anniebrook Farm Café in Carbanup, where CEO Tim Nayton thanked them for the very real difference they make in the lives of our residents and Community clients.

Volunteers bring warmth, connection and joy to Capecare every day. Whether it is through a friendly conversation, a shared activity, a helping hand or companionship, their presence makes a difference.

The morning included delicious scones and preserves, thanks to Dawn and the team at Anniebrook, as well as award presentations recognising many hours and years of dedicated service. Awards were presented by Chair Martha Ryan and board member Mostyn Hamdorf.

Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to all of our volunteers, including those recognised for 1000 hours of service, 5 years, 10 years and 15 years of volunteering:

  • 15 years of service – Leah Jones
  • 10 years of service – Ellen Stonehouse
  • 5 years of service – Cheryl French, David McTaminey, Nola Sauzier and Malcolm Van Rensburg
  • 1000 hours of service – Jan Assan, Robyn Bowering, Sharon Doohan, Bec Marsh and Nola Sauzier.

You are all such an important part of our Capecare community.

Interested in being a Capecare volunteer? Find out more here. We’d love to talk to you. 

Building confidence and compassion in palliative care

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Capecare nursing and care staff have taken part in specialised education and training during National Palliative Care Week, strengthening their skills and confidence in supporting residents, clients and families through end-of-life care.

Staff from our Busselton, Dunsborough and Community teams participated in the Program of Experience in the Palliative Approach (PEPA), delivered by an Aged Care Nurse Educator Charlotte Coulson from QUT Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre across two dedicated two-day training programs.

Our staff were freed from their usual workloads to fully immerse themselves in the learning experience, reflecting Capecare’s commitment to quality care and professional development.

The PEPA program supports the aged care workforce to build knowledge, practical skills and confidence in providing compassionate palliative and end-of-life care.

Through interactive workshops, discussions and scenario-based learning, staff explored communication, symptom management, advance care planning and ways to support residents and families during some of life’s most challenging moments.

At Capecare, we understand that compassionate palliative care is about far more than clinical support. It is about dignity, empathy, connection and ensuring people feel safe, respected and cared for throughout every stage of their journey.

This training helps equip our teams with the confidence and understanding to have meaningful conversations, respond to individual needs and provide comfort-focused care with compassion and professionalism.

The PEPA training was funded through an Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care grant.

We thank all staff who participated for their commitment to continuous learning and for the compassionate care they provide to our residents, clients and families every day.

 

Our Nurses Our Future – The many paths of nursing at Capecare

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This year’s International Nurses Day theme, Our Nurses. Our Future recognises the vital role nurses play in shaping stronger healthcare systems and healthier communities for generations to come.

At Capecare, that future is reflected in the many ways our nurses care, lead, educate and connect every day.

From graduate nurses beginning their careers to internationally experienced clinicians, educators, care coordinators and clinical leaders, nursing at Capecare is as diverse as the people who choose it.

Across residential aged care, community services and clinical leadership, Capecare’s nursing team brings compassion, expertise and humanity to every stage of ageing.

Learning and Leading

“I wanted to help develop the nurses of the future.” – Lisa Roberts

Lisa Roberts, Nurse Educator

For Nurse Educator Lisa Roberts, nursing has come full circle.

Originally from England, Lisa began her working life in aged care as a teenager and now supports and mentors nurses as Capecare’s Nurse Educator.

“I always wanted to be a nurse,” Lisa said.

“I worked from a Health Care worker up to Nurse Educator and learnt so much on the way from my peers and from the amazing people I have cared for.”

Throughout her career, Lisa has worked across acute care, community nursing and cancer services, experiences she says shaped both her perspective and her passion for teaching future nurses.

“I wanted to help develop the nurses of the future – how to care for people, to walk in their shoes and ensure they show dignity and respect.”

For Lisa, aged care nursing is deeply personal. “I feel it’s a privilege looking after our elders as they have so much life experience and tales to tell.”

Clinical Manager Satinder Gill also sees nursing as a profession filled with opportunity for growth.

After relocating from New Zealand, Satinder joined Capecare seeking new opportunities and leadership development.

“I chose Capecare for the growth opportunities and the chance to further enhance my skills and experience,” she said.

“What’s special about aged care nursing is supporting elderly people when they need it most while helping maintain their dignity and quality of life.”

Nursing careers can take many different paths

“One thing nursing has never been is boring.” – Kate Moore

Kate Moore, Primary Care Coordinator

Nursing offers diversity throughout a career.

For Primary Care Coordinator Kate Moore, no two days, or career stages, are ever the same.

“The best thing about nursing is the endless variety,” Kate said. “Every role brings new experiences, new people and new opportunities.”

Kate said her own experiences supporting ageing family members sparked a growing interest in aged care and helping people navigate complex systems.

“That experience inspired me to be part of making aged care more accessible, supportive and easier to understand for others.”

Rajesh Kharel also sees nursing as a profession filled with challenge, growth and constant learning.

Rajesh relocated from Finland to Australia seeking greater career opportunities and professional development within healthcare.

“Australia offers much better, faster career growth and higher-level opportunities for nurses,” he said.

Now working at Capecare, Rajesh says the diversity of nursing is what continues to inspire him.

“The different skills, emotions, challenges and opportunities make nursing a very exciting profession and I feel it makes me a better person every day.”

While acknowledging the emotional demands of nursing, Rajesh believes those experiences are also what make aged care meaningful.

“Working in aged care is a profound emotional journey – a mix of joy, attachment and loss.”

“It involves fostering deep, personal connections with residents and sharing in their life stories.”

Community Clinical Services Lead Lee Winning agrees that nursing opens unexpected doors.

“The diversity of career options and the flexibility to work regionally and remotely has allowed me to continue to grow in my role,” Lee said.

Lee’s nursing career has evolved from mental health and community nursing in the UK through to diabetes education, care coordination and clinical leadership roles in Australia.

“From there I moved into program management and now love supporting clinical staff, maintaining safe work practices and improving service delivery.”

The relationships at the heart of aged care nursing

“Residents aren’t just patients — you really get to know them.” – Jess Lou

Jess Lou, Registered Nurse

For many nurses at Capecare, the most rewarding part of aged care nursing is the relationships built with residents and families over time.

Registered Nurse Jess Lou said those connections are what make aged care unique.

“What I love most about nursing is the connection you build with people,” Jess said.

“You support someone not only clinically, but emotionally as well, helping them feel safe, heard and cared for during vulnerable moments.”

As a graduate nurse beginning her career, Jess said aged care offered the opportunity to form meaningful relationships while continuing to learn and grow professionally.

“Residents aren’t just patients you see briefly. You really get to know them, their histories, personalities and what matters most to them.”

Registered Nurse Shauna Renwick said supporting people through difficult times can be both rewarding and emotional.

“As cliched as it sounds, I love helping people,” she said. “It is very rewarding being able to support people through a hard time and help someone get closer to their health goals.”

Shauna relocated from Queensland to the South West and said the region’s coastline and community lifestyle made it an easy decision to stay.

“Aged care is special because you develop a great friendship with elderly clients from supporting them on an ongoing basis.”

International nurses bringing global experience to local care

“I am caring for someone else’s parents here.” – Tara Devi

Capecare Registered Nurse Tara Devi

Capecare’s nursing workforce also reflects the increasingly global nature of healthcare, with nurses bringing experience and perspectives from around the world.

Float Registered Nurse Tara Devi has worked in nursing for more than 25 years across Bhutan and Australia, including completing a PhD in Palliative Care.

“What I love about nursing is that special opportunity to be in people’s lives when it is often the most difficult times,” Tara said. “I hold that honour and privilege very close.”

After returning to Australia to reunite with family, Tara joined Capecare to continue her nursing journey in aged care.

“What I found special in aged care nursing is the bond we develop with residents and their families.”

In one of the most heartfelt reflections shared by the nursing team, Tara explained how caring for older people connects deeply to her own family.

“I often say I am not able to care for my ageing parents who are in Bhutan, but I am caring for someone else’s parents here — and that gives me immense joy.”

The future of care

International Nurses Day is an opportunity to recognise not only the care nurses provide today, but also the future they are helping shape.

At Capecare, nurses continue to play a vital role across residential care, community services, education, leadership and clinical innovation, supporting older people to live with dignity, comfort and connection.

From graduate nurses beginning their journey to experienced clinicians mentoring the next generation, each nurse brings their own story, strengths and pathway to the profession.

Together, they are helping shape the future of care in the South West.

8 professional women of varying ages and nationalities grouped togehter and smiling for the camera outside a blue wall with rose bushes in the background

A care support worker providing personal care to an older personCapecare

A welcome step toward clearer, fairer home care

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Capecare welcomes today’s announcement to reclassify personal care under the Support at Home program, alongside the Australian Government’s broader investment in aged care.

It’s an important move that better reflects the essential role these services play in supporting dignity, independence and wellbeing at home, while also strengthening the system to meet growing demand. 

As a regional not-for-profit provider, we know how important clear and sustainable funding is to delivering consistent, high-quality care in our community.

We look forward to seeing how these changes are implemented and continuing to support our clients through the transition.

Read more on today’s announcement here. 

Dunsborough Lions Club member Malcolm van Rensberg, Dr Mostyn Hamdorf, Capecare Dunsborough Residential Care Manager Linda Barry holding the bladder scanner, Dunsborough Lions Club members Jim Lane, Mick Macri and Kaye McCormick, and Capecare CEO Tim Nayton outside Capecare Dunsborough

Lions Club donation to Capecare will prevent hospital visits and potentially save lives

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The donation of a bladder scanner by Dunsborough Lions Club to Capecare has the potential to reduce hospital visits, improve health outcomes and ultimately save lives for our aged care residents.

Capecare Board Member and Dunsborough GP Dr Mostyn Hamdorf said the new scanner would allow Capecare’s nursing team to test and assess residents quickly and support an earlier diagnosis and treatment of potentially serious conditions.

“The portable bladder scanner donated to Capecare by Dunsborough Lions is a quick, safe, and non-intrusive way of differentiating between urinary obstruction and dehydration,” Dr Hamdorf said.

“For older people, particularly those who may struggle to communicate their symptoms, this technology helps take the guesswork out of diagnosis. The scan only takes a few seconds, and the results can be sent immediately to the resident’s GP so treatment can be arranged quickly.”

The bladder scanner cost approximately $6000 and will be used across Capecare’s Dunsborough and Busselton residential facilities, as well as by nurses supporting home care clients.

Dunsborough Lions Club Secretary Kaye McCormick said the Club was proud to support an organisation that played such an important role in the local community.

“Capecare is part of the fabric of the Dunsborough community, so we didn’t hesitate when we were asked if we could help,” Ms McCormick said.

“We know many people who are residents at Capecare – in fact two of our own members now live at Capecare Dunsborough.

“If residents become unwell because of a urinary issue, they often need to travel by ambulance to Busselton Hospital, which is stressful for everyone involved and places pressure on local services. With this scanner, assessments can happen quickly on site.”

Ms McCormick said the Club had long supported the facility.

“We worked hard for many years to get an aged care facility in Dunsborough, so it’s wonderful to be able to continue supporting projects like this.”

The Dunsborough Lions Club previously donated a Tovertafel interactive memory game table to Capecare shortly after the Dunsborough facility opened in 2021, along with wheelchair-friendly raised garden beds for residents. The Club also contributed financially to the facility during its early planning stages.

Learn more about Dunsborough Lions Club at dunsboroughlions.com.au

eldac

Capecare strengthens palliative care through national initiative

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Capecare is proud to be participating in the End of Life Directions for Aged Care (ELDAC) initiative – a nationally recognised program designed to support aged care providers to improve palliative care, strengthen advanced care planning, and build stronger connections across health and community services.

The ELDAC project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care and delivered through a partnership of three universities and national organisations representing aged care, palliative care and primary care.

What is palliative care?

Palliative care is a compassionate and supportive approach that aims to enhance quality of life for individuals living with a life-limiting illness, and for the families and carers supporting them.

It focuses on preventing and relieving suffering through early identification of needs, careful assessment, and effective management of pain and other concerns. This includes physical, psychological, emotional, cultural and spiritual support, ensuring each person’s care is respectful, individualised, and aligned with their values.

What is ELDAC?

The ELDAC model provides a practical framework for improving how aged care services respond to changing health needs and end-of-life care. It supports providers to strengthen:

  • Advance Care Planning
  • Assessing palliative care needs
  • Responding to deterioration
  • Working collaboratively with families, GPs and allied health professionals
  • Connecting with wider palliative care services

This approach can contribute to reduced hospital admissions, shorter hospital stays, and improved quality of life outcomes for older Australians receiving care in residential aged care and in the community.

Capecare’s ELDAC journey

Capecare commenced the ELDAC journey at our Dunsborough facility in November 2025. We will commence at our Busselton facility and in our Community care services in May 2026.

As part of ELDAC, we are focusing on raising awareness and strengthening our approach to palliative and end-of-life care through:

  • targeted meetings and planning activities
  • increased collaboration with GPs and allied health professionals
  • improved access to trusted, evidence-based resources and tools
  • building staff capability through education and training
  • supporting stronger communication and care planning with residents, clients and families

Staff across our Busselton and Dunsborough residential care facilities and community care will have access to a collection of free, evidence-based information, tools and resources developed through ELDAC and supported by trusted programs including palliAGED and Advance Care Planning Australia.

A key part of Capecare’s participation includes support from the Program of Experience in the Palliative Approach (PEPA).

Benefits for Capecare and our community

Capecare’s involvement in ELDAC is expected to deliver wide-ranging benefits, including:

  • stronger support to provide palliative care through structured frameworks and planning
  • access to trusted evidence-based resources and online tools
  • increased education and training to build confidence and expertise
  • greater confidence for staff, volunteers, residents and families
  • a valuable learning opportunity across our entire organisation
  • cost efficiency through grant-funded training opportunities
  • strengthened networks with local palliative care services, GPs and allied health professionals

Capecare is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care that supports dignity, comfort and choice. The ELDAC initiative is an important step in strengthening our palliative approach and ensuring residents and clients receive the right care, at the right time, in the right place.

We look forward to continuing this journey and sharing further updates as the program expands across our communities.

Community presentation audience

Invitation: Community information morning

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Join Capecare at our free information morning for local seniors and their families on Friday 20 February from 10.30am to 12pm.

We’ll provide information on:

  • Planning to access home support and funding;
  • How Capecare can support you at home, our community services classes and activities
  • Respite services; and
  • Volunteering

Meet some of our key community care team members and share a free morning tea provided by our lovely hospitality team.

The event will be held in our Social Centre in Busselton.

Register at community@capecare.com.au or call 9750 2097.

Capecare celebrates its home care clients each aged 100+

Capecare celebrates its home care clients each aged 100+

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Capecare celebrated the lives of four cherished home care clients last month with a combined 100th birthday party.

Coined as the inaugural ‘100 Club’, each of the four residents are still living in their own homes in Busselton with Capecare’s help.

CEO Tim Nayton said it was a huge achievement to reach the age of 100 and still be living independently.

“Our Community team recently noted we had four clients who had reached 100 years of age, and we couldn’t let it pass without celebrating and acknowledging these extraordinary people,” he said.

“We’ve created a ‘100 Club’ and plan to hold an annual celebration, bringing together our centenarian clients, their family members and our staff.

“Capecare is a genuine community-based organisation and an important part of our mission is to support the community in which we operate,” he said.

Capecare’s 2025 ‘100 Club’ members who attending the party at Capecare’s new Community Centre were:

  • Joan Harlow – 106
  • Hubert Davies – 104
  • George Ferris – 102
  • Violet Hayter – 100

A joy to celebrate lives well lived

Capecare Community Manager Lesley Cunningham said George, Joan, Hubert and Violet were remarkable people.

“They remind us that life is about resilience, family, friendship and the simple joys of everyday living.

“It is a joy to celebrate lives well lived, their wisdom and presence. Our community staff love spending time with each of these cherished clients and learn so much from them. In turn, our staff feel privileged to assist them to live well at home for as long as possible.”

Capecare provides a range of in-home care for older people in the south west including personal care, domestic assistance, gardening, home maintenance, nursing care and medication support, shopping and community transport. It also provides allied health services, a Community Centre in Busselton for day visits, and overnight respite care when carers need time for themselves.  A new Cottage Respite centre provides private suites, each with a bedroom, ensuite and living room, delicious meals and 24-hour nursing care. For  more information visit our Community Services page.

 

Pictured: Mayor Phill Cronin, Capecare Community Manager Lesley Cunningham, Libby Mettam MP and Hubert’s daughter Jennifer Anderson with Hubert, George, Joan and Violet

CAPECARE
BUSSELTON

20 Ray Ave
Busselton WA 6280
Ph: 08 9750 2000
Fax: 08 9755 4696

Community Care: 08 9750 2097

CAPECARE
DUNSBOROUGH

171 Naturaliste Tce
Dunsborough WA 6281
Ph: 08 9786 5555
Fax: 08 9786 5508

Community Care: 08 9750 2097

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ABN 77 630 179 279

Capecare acknowledges the Wadandi people as the Traditional Custodians of Noongar Boodja and honour Elders past and present. We recognise their enduring connection to this land and our shared commitment to care for our community.

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