Future clearer for Kolora as McLean Care merges with Respect

New gardens, including a memorial garden, were established earlier this year with willing workers from the Guyra Garden Club

18th Aug 2026

Inverell-based not-for-profit aged care provider, McLean Care is set to transition its six residential aged care homes and 82 co-located independent living units to Respect, following a structured process to secure the organisation’s future.
Respect will take control of McLean Care, including Kolora in Guyra, on September 1, 2026. The transition will initially occur through a transfer of control of the existing McLean Care entity, with McLean Care expected to formally transfer into the Respect Group later this year.
The agreement will see Respect take over McLean Care’s residential aged care operations in Inverell, Guyra and Gunnedah in northern NSW, as well as Oakey and Millmerran in southern Queensland.
McLean Care announced in February that it was seeking a new provider after financial pressures facing the aged care sector, particularly in regional areas, made its existing operating model no longer viable.
At the time, McLean Care Board Chair, Manuel Meszaros cited rising operating costs, labour shortages, complex compliance requirements and the cost of maintaining and upgrading facilities among the challenges facing regional providers.
“This is one of the most significant decisions in McLean Care’s history. After a comprehensive process, the Board is confident that Respect is the right organisation to ensure the future of care across our communities while continuing McLean Care’s legacy,” Mr Meszaros said.
Respect, a not-for-profit organisation with a 100-year history, operates aged care homes, retirement villages, independent living communities and home care services across Australia. Its acquisition of McLean Care will expand its aged care operations to 47 homes.
Respect Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Jason Binder said the organisation was honoured to continue McLean Care’s legacy and saw opportunities to strengthen services in regional communities.
At Kolora, residents will keep their rooms and security of tenure, with the same staff continuing to provide their care. Staff will transition to Respect’s systems and operating model, with support provided throughout the process.
Kolora will retain local leadership and staff while gaining access to Respect’s broader operational, clinical, quality, workforce, finance, technology, learning and development and property resources.
While staff may use different systems and processes, Respect said the day-to-day care provided to residents would remain the priority, including medications, meals, cleaning and clinical care.
Respect operates its homes under a consistent model designed to support high-quality care, with specialist teams providing clinical governance, quality and compliance support.
Major capital works are not anticipated at Kolora, which is already a modern and contemporary facility and is owned by Armidale Regional Council.
Respect intends to undertake significant redevelopment of the Killean and Mackellar Apex Road facilities, along with smaller refurbishment works across other sites.
The two organisations have established transition teams to support residents, families and staff through the change.
McLean Care’s in-home aged care services have already transitioned to Australian Unity, while its virtual healthcare service, iAge Health, closed in June, with allied health services transferred to Plena Healthcare.

Going strong for 100 years

Phone	(02) 6779 2347
Email	Contact Us
Social

Future clearer for Kolora as McLean Care merges with Respect

Menu

News

Contact