Gold Coast nursing home and village finds new owner

Catholic not-for-profit provider St. Vincent’s Care Services has taken over control of the Jabiru Aged Care and Jabiru Villas at Arundel in Queensland.

The site was previously owned by the Board of Benevolence and of Aged Masons, Widows and Orphans’ Fund, which traded as Masonic Care Queensland.

The site, which has 49 nursing home residents and 22 affordable living units, will now be known as St Vincent’s Care Services Arundel.

The handover, which took place in September, is welcome news for its residents and staff who have been waiting nearly six months to find a new owner to run the facilities.

Private operator Regis purchased most of Masonic Care Queensland’s facilities back in March, but the Gold Coast site was not part of the sale.

St Vincent’s Care Services Chief Executive Officer, John Leahy, said his organisation was delighted to welcome the Arundel site to its services.

“We thank Masonic Care Queensland, staff and residents for ensuring this transition of ownership has been smooth and successful,” he said.

“The wellbeing of residents, clients, staff and volunteers has been the upmost priority during the transition period, and we at St Vincent’s Care Services look forward to delivering exceptional care and support to residents, clients and staff at Arundel.”

Masonic Care Queensland Chief Executive Officer, Gary Mark, said he was sure St Vincent’s will uphold Masonic Care Queensland’s reputation on the Gold Coast.

“Their dedication to providing quality care to their residents and supporting their staff was something that was important to us,” said Mr Mark.

The largest not-for-profit Catholic aged care provider in Australia, St. Vincent’s already has a retirement village on the Gold Coast at Southport, making the Arundel location a good match.

The handover will be marked by an on-site celebration for residents and staff as well as their families, volunteers and the local community.