Organisational News & Archives

an older lady and a younger lady sitting on a limestone wall with a border collie dog by the beachfront and Busselton Jetty having a happy conversationCapecare

New service provides home care on holidays for older travellers

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In an innovative approach to aged care and accessible tourism, South West aged care provider Capecare has launched a dedicated home care service for older holidaymakers visiting the region.


Home Care on Holiday make holidays more accessible for older Australians, enabling them to continue receiving essential home care support while holidaying in Western Australia’s popular South West region, helping remove a barrier that may otherwise prevent them from travelling or attending special family celebrations.

Through the new service, visitors staying in Busselton, Dunsborough and surrounding holiday towns can arrange short-term personal care, nursing, medication support, meal preparation, companionship and other assistance at their holiday accommodation.

Capecare CEO Tim Nayton said the idea was inspired by a simple goal – helping older people continue enjoying the experiences and special moments that matter to them.

“Getting older or needing extra support shouldn’t mean missing out on life’s special occasions or the joy of going on holiday,” Tim said.

“Imagine a grandmother who may not be able to attend her granddaughter’s wedding because her family are anxious about how her daily care needs will be managed. Or a family who would love to bring an older parent on their annual summer holiday, but they don’t know how they’ll cope without their regular support.

“Home Care on Holiday is about helping make those experiences possible, giving older people and their families the confidence and reassurance that additional care and support will be available when they need it.


“We believe we are providing the first complete program like this in Western Australia.”

 

The service can be tailored to individual needs, from assistance with showering and dressing in the morning to nursing support, help with meal preparation, or companionship during the day.

It can also provide respite for family carers, allowing them to enjoy a break, attend a special celebration or spend time with other family members knowing their loved one has appropriate support.

Tim said the initiative also had the potential to make the South West an even more welcoming and accessible holiday destination.

“We’re fortunate to be situated in one of Western Australia’s most popular holiday destinations, attracting families from across the state and beyond for its beaches, wineries, weddings and wonderful lifestyle.

“We want older people to be able to share in those experiences, rather than feeling they need to stay home because of their care requirements.

“It’s also about recognising that holidays are often when families create their most treasured memories. We hope this service will help more generations enjoy those moments together.”

With 65 years of experience providing aged care in the South West, Capecare is drawing on the expertise of its established Community Home Care team to deliver the service.

Care may be provided at holiday homes, short-stay accommodation, hotels, resorts or the home of a family member, depending on individual care requirements, the suitability of the accommodation and staff availability.

Visitors with existing Support at Home funding can access the service, with Capecare working alongside their regular home care provider to ensure seamless and consistent care while they are away from home. Those without government funding can also access the service privately, with Capecare working directly with them to plan care and support tailored to their individual needs.

Tim said Home Care on Holiday was an example of how aged care services could evolve to support older people to continue living life on their own terms.

“At Capecare, we’re always looking at ways to make care more flexible and responsive to people’s lives.

“Care shouldn’t necessarily stop at someone’s home. If we can help an older person enjoy a family celebration, reconnect with loved ones or simply experience the pleasure of a holiday, that’s something worth doing.”

Capecare encourages families to enquire well ahead of their intended visit, particularly during the busy summer, school holiday and wedding seasons, to allow time for individual care assessments and arrangements.

For more information about Home Care on Holiday, visit www.capecare.com.au/holiday or contact Capecare’s Community Home Care team on 08 9750 2097.

A group of three healthcare business people - two women and a man, smiling for the cameraCapecare

Capecare welcomes three new Board Directors

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Capecare has welcomed three new Directors to our Board following an Annual General Meeting in October. They bring additional expertise in healthcare, clinical governance, business leadership and strategic management.

Dr Claire Langdon, Dr Sarah Dunlop and Graeme Gibson joined the Board, strengthening its collective experience as Capecare continues to develop its community home care, residential aged care and retirement living services.

The appointments follow the retirement of two Directors during the previous financial year. Capecare Board Chair Martha Ryan welcomed the appointments and the breadth of experience the new Directors brought to the organisation.

“We are delighted to welcome Graeme, Claire and Sarah to the Capecare Board. Their combined expertise in clinical care, health service management, finance and executive leadership will complement the skills of our existing Directors,” Ms Ryan said.

“Capecare has been part of the South West community for 65 years, and we are proud of the role we play in supporting older people across the region. Having a strong and experienced Board is important as we continue to build on that legacy and plan for the future.”

Dr Claire Langdon has held senior executive roles in healthcare, government and education, including CEO of Busselton Hospice Care and Director of Health Services and Workforce Policy with the Victorian Government. She holds a PhD in Public Health and brings extensive experience in clinical governance, health service reform and aged and palliative care.

Dr Sarah Dunlop is a specialist palliative care physician and Head of Department with WA Country Health Service’s South West Palliative Care team. Based in Busselton, she has extensive experience in hospital and community-based care, clinical governance, service development and medical education, and is a Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Western Australia.

Graeme Gibson brings extensive experience across the private and public sectors, including 16 years as CEO and Managing Director in the private health insurance industry. His background spans finance, executive leadership, and governance across private, public and not-for-profit organisations. During his career Graeme completed a BBus and becoming a CPA, a Grad Dip Ed, and a leadership program with INSEAD (Singapore), and completed the Graduate program with the AICD.

two older ladies walking on a path surrounded by shade trees. one lady is using a walking frame.Capecare

Capecare receives City of Busselton grant for new dementia carer support initiative

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Capecare is expanding dementia support in Busselton and Dunsborough after receiving a $5,000 City of Busselton grant to establish The Dementia Support Circle.

Capecare is among 11 community organisations awarded funding through the ‘s 2026/2027 Community Assistance Program.

The Dementia Support Circle is a new community program by Capecare, providing information, practical advice and peer support for people caring for someone living with dementia.

Funded through the City’s 2026/2027 Community Assistance Program, the initiative will deliver a series of free information forums and peer-support sessions in Busselton and Dunsborough over 12 months.

Caring for someone living with dementia can bring many questions and challenges, particularly as their needs change. Finding reliable information, navigating available services and planning for the future can be difficult, and many family members and carers experience isolation along the way.

The Dementia Support Circle has been developed to help address these challenges by bringing people together in a supportive local setting.

Sessions will feature dementia specialists, health professionals and guest speakers providing practical information on topics identified by carers, including communication, changing behaviours, care options, future planning and looking after their own wellbeing.

The program will also offer opportunities for carers to connect with others who understand their experiences, together with access to trusted information and resources.

Importantly, The Dementia Support Circle will be open to all family members and carers of people living with dementia across Busselton, Dunsborough and surrounding areas, regardless of whether they currently receive services from Capecare.

The initiative builds on Capecare’s broader commitment to dementia support, education and inclusion, including the Dementia Support and Mental Wellbeing Program launched earlier this year.

Capecare will contribute staff expertise, coordination and venues, with the longer-term aim of developing an ongoing network of local support for families and carers.

The organisation gratefully acknowledges the City of Busselton’s financial support through its Community Assistance Program, helping make this initiative possible.

Further information about The Dementia Support Circle, including upcoming sessions and how to participate, will be announced as the program is developed.

Capecare turns 65: sharing our story

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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.

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.

Capecare seeking two new Non-Executive Directors

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Capecare is seeking to appoint two additional Non-Executive Directors to its Board, with priority being given to candidates with senior financial management or clinical governance experience.

Capecare is a well-established, community-based not-for-profit incorporated association and a leading provider of residential aged care, retirement living, respite care and home care services in the beautiful South West of Western Australia.

Formed 65 years ago, Capecare has campuses in Busselton and Dunsborough, comprising a total of 220 residential aged care beds and 76 retirement living villas and apartments.

With approximately $50 million in assets and a workforce of more than 350 staff, Capecare is committed to delivering high-quality clinical care and strong governance outcomes.

About the role

As a Director, you will contribute to the strategic direction, governance and oversight of Capecare, ensuring compliance with relevant legislative and regulatory frameworks, including the Aged Care Act 2024 and the Aged Care Quality Standards.

Directors are also asked to serve on at least one Board subcommittee.

Priority skills and experience

Capecare is seeking candidates with one of two priority skillsets.

Financial management, accounting or audit

Candidates for this role should have:

  • Sound senior-level experience in financial management, accounting or audit at a senior level
  • A CPA, CA or equivalent professional qualification, which will be highly regarded
  • Experience in financial oversight, investment or funding models
  • Previous experience as a company director, which will be highly regarded

Clinical governance

Candidates for this role should have:

  • Proven experience in a clinical governance environment
  • Health industry qualifications, such as those held by a doctor, nurse or retired health professional
  • Experience overseeing clinical practice, which will be highly regarded
  • Previous experience as a company director, which will be highly regarded

Additional desirable skills

Candidates may also bring experience or knowledge in one or more of the following areas:

  • Australian Institute of Company Directors qualifications
  • Aged care
  • Commercial property development
  • Information technology or digital transformation
  • Philanthropy and fundraising
  • Legal or regulatory matters
  • Not-for-profit or community organisations

Personal attributes

Capecare is seeking Directors who demonstrate:

  • Strong ethical standards and integrity
  • Strategic thinking and sound judgement
  • A collaborative approach to decision-making
  • A commitment to Capecare’s mission of supporting people as they age
  • An understanding of directors’ duties and responsibilities

Commitment

The Board and its subcommittees meet during 10 months of the year, usually in the final week of each month.

Meetings are held during business hours, with Board meetings generally lasting three hours and subcommittee meetings approximately two hours.

From time to time, Directors are also expected to attend staff functions, resident and family meetings, and community engagement activities.

Remuneration and further information

Modest sitting fees are paid to Directors.

A full information pack will be provided to shortlisted candidates.

How to apply

Please submit a current resume and brief cover letter outlining your relevant skills and experience to Capecare Chief People Officer Philippa Ayre no later than Friday 11 September 2026.

email : philippa.ayre@capecare.com.au

phone: 08 9750 2000

7 elderly women and one man posing for a photograph outside a building. The photograph is sepia and was taken in 1969

Help Capecare uncover 65 years of local aged care history

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Capecare is calling on the local community to help uncover and share stories from our 65-year history, as we prepares to mark a special anniversary in September.

This year marks 65 years since Villa Maria Homes was registered as an association, laying the foundations for the first aged care services for Busselton and the wider community. Over the years, the organisation was also known as Ray Village, before becoming Capecare as it extended its services into community and home care.

To celebrate this milestone, Capecare is planning a small heritage exhibition and would love to hear from anyone with memories, photos, documents or mementos connected to Villa Maria Homes, Ray Village or Capecare.

Capecare’s story belongs to the whole community. Over the past 65 years, many people have been connected to Villa Maria Homes, Ray Village and Capecare in different ways – as residents, clients, families, staff, volunteers, board members, neighbours, supporters and friends.

Now, as we prepare to celebrate this milestone, community members are invited to help bring those memories together.

Capecare would love to receive stories about the people, places and moments that shaped the organisation’s history, from early fundraising and community involvement to life at Villa Maria Homes and Ray Village, special events, staff memories, resident stories and photographs from years gone by.

CEO Tim Nayton said the anniversary was an opportunity to recognise the many people who had contributed to the organisation’s story.

“For 65 years, Capecare has been part of the fabric of this community,” Mr Nayton said.

“This anniversary is about honouring the people who helped create, support and shape aged care services in our region, and celebrating the residents, clients, families, staff, volunteers and community members who have been part of that journey.”

Community members are invited to share stories, photos or mementos that may be included in Capecare’s anniversary exhibition and heritage displays.

To contribute, please email connect@capecare.com.au or call Clare Simcock on 9750 2000.

Capecare expands residential care to meet growing regional need

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We’re pleased to announce that approval has been received from the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission for Capecare to add a further 18 residential aged care beds to our Busselton facility.

This will bring the total number of beds in Busselton to 138 when we are fully operational in early July.

This expansion reflects Capecare’s ongoing commitment to meeting the growing need for high-quality residential aged care in our region, supporting older people to remain close to their families, community and the place they call home.

The new beds will be located in Ray Lodge, Capecare’s original facility, overlooking the beachfront. Following the re-opening of Rosa Brook wing, we have been able to move our successful Time to Think hospital transition Program from Ray Lodge into our main facility.

To enquire, please contact us at admissions@capecare.com.au.

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.

 

Busselton

20 Ray Ave
Busselton WA 6280
Ph: 08 9750 2000
Fax: 08 9755 4696
reception@capecare.com.au

Dunsborough

171 Naturaliste Tce
Dunsborough WA 6281
Ph: 08 9786 5555
Fax: 08 9786 5508
reception.duns@capecare.com.au

Capecare Community Home Care

Ph: 08 9750 2097
community@capecare.com.au

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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