Help Capecare uncover 65 years of local aged care history

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.