Aged care transition underway

The Kolora Aged Care Facility, which has been run by McLean Care since 2018

17th Feb 2026

Inverell-based not-for-profit aged care provider McLean Care has announced plans to transition its operations to a new provider, a move aimed at securing the long-term future of services in regional communities. Among the facilities impacted by the decision is the Kolora Aged Care Facility in Guyra, which has been operated by McLean Care since 2018 under a lease arrangement with Armidale Regional Council.
The decision comes in response to growing pressures facing aged care providers, particularly in regional areas. These include complex compliance requirements, rising operating and staffing costs, labour shortages, and the increasing expense of maintaining and upgrading facilities.
McLean Care Board Chair Manuel Meszaros said the transition was necessary to ensure services remain viable into the future.
“Unfortunately, the pressures on aged care providers, especially in regional areas, mean McLean Care’s operations are no longer viable under our current operating model,” he said.
The organisation employs more than 700 full-time, part-time and casual staff and operates 370 residential aged care beds across six facilities in Inverell, Guyra and Gunnedah, as well as Oakey and Milmerran. It also provides 82 independent living units co-located with residential facilities, at-home care services across Queensland, NSW and Victoria, and iAge Health, a virtual hub connecting regional and remote residents with healthcare professionals.
Mr Meszaros said residential facilities and home-care services will continue operating as normal during the transition process, with the organisation working towards a seamless handover. He said potential new providers would be sought who align with McLean Care’s mission-led ethos, commitment to high-quality care and resident wellbeing, and who have the financial capacity to operate sustainably into the future. Residents, families, home-care clients and employees are being kept informed as the process unfolds.
In a separate announcement, McLean Care confirmed CEO Sue Thomson stepped down from the role on 12 February for personal reasons. Experienced aged care leader Jill Davidson has been appointed Interim CEO to guide the organisation through the transition. Mr Meszaros acknowledged Ms Thomson’s contribution over more than 17 years with the organisation, including 12 years as CEO.
The transition process will be led by expert financial and legal advisers with support from the Commonwealth Government as the organisation seeks a new operator to continue services.

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Aged care transition underway

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