McLean Care Interim CEO Jill Davidson has reassured the Inverell community that residents at Killean aged care home remain at the heart of every decision as the organisation progresses plans to transition to a new aged care provider.
“Above all else, our focus is on the people who live in our homes,” Ms Davidson said.
“This is their home, their community, and where they feel safe. Our responsibility is to make sure they continue to feel cared for, supported and valued every single day.”
McLean Care is currently in the early stages of discussions with several aged care providers who have expressed interest in acquiring and operating its six residential aged care homes, including Killean in Inverell.
This process is expected to take a number of months, and updates will be provided to residents, families, staff and the broader community as soon as further information is available.
The decision to transfer the business has been made to ensure a future provider has the scale, resources and long-term capacity to maintain facilities and continue delivering care for older people in regional areas.
“Planning for the future of aged care in Inverell is incredibly important to us,” Ms Davidson said.
“We want to ensure that Killean remains a place where older members of the community can continue to live with dignity, comfort and the support they need.”
Ms Davidson said she and McLean Care’s Chair Manuel Meszaros will also be meeting with the Mayor of Inverell and General Manager of the Shire Council as part of ongoing engagement with the local community.
“Our focus has been on keeping residents, families and staff informed through regular meetings, emails and letters,” she said.
Like many aged care providers across Australia, McLean Care has experienced increasing financial pressure in recent years due to rising costs, workforce shortages in regional areas, and the lasting impacts of COVID-19.
In response, the organisation is implementing a financial improvement plan focused on increasing revenue and managing costs during the transition period, supported by external advisors, while continuing to prioritise resident care.
At the same time, McLean Care has strengthened its focus on quality and safety, including the establishment of a Clinical Governance Committee to oversee continuous improvement across all services.
Killean aged care home was visited by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission in July 2025, where areas for improvement were identified. Importantly, the Commission confirmed there was no immediate or severe risk to residents.
Since that time, McLean Care has implemented a comprehensive improvement plan and continues to demonstrate its ability to maintain and build on these improvements.
To further support high standards of care, McLean Care is engaging a Nurse Advisor with expertise in the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, along with a Care Partner to support clinical care and service delivery at Killean.
Mr Meszaros said Killean’s connection to the Inverell community remained strong.
“Killean was bequeathed by Hector McLean for the benefit of the people of Inverell, with the intention of providing care and support for older members of the community. That purpose remains unchanged.”
“Our focus is on honouring that legacy by ensuring aged care services continue to be delivered for the people of Inverell, now and into the future.”
“Our staff are part of the Inverell community. They care deeply about the residents they support, and many have personal connections to Killean.”
“This is about ensuring those services continue for many years to come and securing a strong future for aged care in Inverell.”
Background McLean Care employs more than 700 staff and operates residential aged care homes across regional New South Wales and Queensland, along with independent living units and home and community care services supporting thousands of clients.
Media Release: McLean Care
