Sam Baker - Director, Pattie Iredale - Executive Manager, Peta Bowring - Clinical Care Manager, Steve Gordon - Director

About

Since Mareeba Aged Care opened in 1981 the communities in Maclean and across the Clarence Valley have welcomed our quality residential care for elderly frail residents. Over the years we have grown to accommodate 119 residents including those with dementia care, those who need respite and those with palliative care needs.

Providing the best possible care and enhancing the quality of life for every resident is part of our holistic approach that encompasses physical, social and emotional needs. Residents and their families have peace of mind knowing our staff are specifically trained in residential aged care, and from our 24 hour Registered Nurse support, to individual care planning, to nourishing meals. Central to our vision is to maintain community integration, encourage family and friends to participate in the lives of our residents and for our residents to have full autonomy with their care.

We are here to help you and your family and can assist you with any stage of the entry process.

The Mareeba difference

At Mareeba Aged Care we are enthusiastic about helping our residents and our local community thrive. With all the benefits of a beautiful Maclean location, we celebrate and encourage being part of the wider community.

Connection with our local community

As a rural town the Maclean community takes a special interest in Mareeba and we have fostered positive ongoing relationships. A high proportion of our staff are from the area and we provide employment for over 100 local families. Over 80% of our residents are from the surrounding community and the wider Clarence Valley.

We are proud sponsors of local clubs and organisations which includes the performing arts, skill building and sporting associations. We are also lucky to have many talented and active people living fulfilling and busy lives at Mareeba. The stage play, Summer of '64, written by one of our residents, has been produced by the community theatre group. Another of our residents composed and directed the accompanying musical score for the performances; these were hailed a great success.

Click here for more information on our community sponsorships.

Sought after location

Mareeba has all the advantages of the picturesque landscape of Maclean, and being situated on the Clarence River it is surrounded by a rich rural tapestry which is renowned for its Scottish heritage. The climate here has been recognised by the CSIRO as the best in the world.

Maclean is an easy 15 minute drive from the beaches of Yamba and is nestled between the Northern Rivers townships of Grafton and Ballina. We are also conveniently located adjacent to the Maclean Hospital with its comprehensive medical services close by.

Mareeba’s management

Mareeba is managed by the Director of Nursing (DON) under the supervision of the Board of Directors. Federal Government Aged Care Standards are rigorously applied and surpassed. Mareeba Aged Care Policy and Procedure is strictly adhered to and our activities and resources are carefully tailored to make living here fulfilling, enjoyable and above all safe.

The ownership and management of Mareeba is a partnership between the Gordon and Baker families. Both families have been heavily involved in the aged care sector for over 40 years each, bringing a wealth of experience that overwhelmingly benefits Mareeba’s residents, families and staff. The hands-on approach of Directors Steve Gordon and Sam Baker sees them frequently onsite attending meetings and liaising with residents, family members and all levels of the dedicated Mareeba staff. The Directors place a very high value on being approachable and foster an open-door management style.

Partnership with Southern Cross University

Mareeba has been providing clinical facilitation for nursing students from Southern Cross University for many years. Groups of students from First Year to Third Year attend Mareeba throughout the semester for placements of 3-4 weeks. During this time they gain valuable knowledge and experience in aged care, mental health and palliative care under the supervision of our Registered Nurses and Director of Nursing. This practical hands-on training provides real-life scenarios for nursing students working towards the completion of their Degrees.

Partnership and mentoring with local TAFEs and high schools

Mareeba provides placement for students from Years 10-12 as part of the Higher School Certificate program. Students studying to complete Certificates III & IV in Nursing, Hospitality and Clerical are facilitated in our partnership with Grafton TAFE, Maclean TAFE and Maclean High School. After completing their placements, Mareeba offers the opportunity for paid employment during School and TAFE semester breaks as well as the opportunity for employment following Graduation.

Pastoral Care program

Mareeba recognised some years ago the difficulties that can often be associated with moving from a family home to a new environment. We have developed a unique social support and non- denominational Pastoral Care Program to assist families. Our Pastoral Care Program was awarded the prestigious HESTA Award in recognition of the value it brings to our community.