The community-run Fairview Retirement Village will transition to the Not For Profit next month after a near unanimous vote at its Board’s AGM (pictured).

Whiddon had been selected as the village’s preferred provider in October 2019 and has also been exploring transfer options with several other stand-alone providers.

In December, the provider entered into a partnership agreement with the community-based Pioneer House Mudgee which first opened in 1965 and has an 81-bed facility which was the subject of a case study at the Royal Commission last year during the Mudgee hearings.

Whiddon CEO Chris Mamarelis said: “In the current aged care landscape, many smaller providers are facing challenges around financial viability. As a large provider with a long and proud history, and a strong track record in regional communities, we are grateful for the opportunity to be part of a journey with Pioneer House and we recognise that great consideration has been given to ensuring residents, employees and the wider community are best served now and into the future.”

However, the local paper is reporting that a similar partnership with another community-based provider Lithgow Aged Care has ended after talks wrapped up.

If approved by the boards of both organisations, the Pioneer House transfer is expected to take place in June 2020.

Whiddon has 19 aged care homes, nine community care hubs and 12 retirement villages across regional NSW and QLD.