McLean Care

28/01/2026

A beautiful new garden is taking shape at Kolora aged care home, created as a space for quiet reflection and remembrance for our residents. This meaningful project will be ready in time for ANZAC Day and will also provide a place to lay wreaths during ANZAC and Remembrance Day services.

It’s been a true community effort, with residents joined by John and Barbara Ross from the Guyra Progress Association, Kolora gardener Sara Hancock, and her children Grace and Max lending a hand during the school holidays. As part of their school-based community service, Grace, Max and their brother Will helped collect and bag fresh sheep fertiliser, prepare garden beds and assist with planting - a wonderful example of young people giving back.

This special garden has been made possible through the initiative and funding of the Guyra and Community Progress Association, support from the Guyra Garden Club, and a generous Kangaroo Paw donation from Robyn Jackson. We’re so grateful to everyone who has contributed to creating this peaceful, reflective space for our residents.

27/01/2026

It was everything Aussie at Kolora yesterday as residents and the McLean Care team came together to celebrate Australia Day, culture and community. ❤

With a classic barbecue lunch, Australian-themed trivia and quizzes, lamingtons, pies - and even a glass of beer - everyone enjoyed a fun-filled day, topped off with an Aussie music playlist featuring all the favourites.

A wonderful way to celebrate what brings us together.

27/01/2026

What a delicious day out! The McLean Care team at Kolora aged care home recently took some of our residents to the Guyra Lamb & Potato Festival for a lovely lunch and some live music.

From tasty local lamb and potato dishes to toe-tapping entertainment and friendly festival vibes, it was the perfect community outing. Thank you to the festival crew and everyone who made today so special! Events like this are what community is all about.

22/01/2026

For 50 years, Pat and Anne have shared a love of pottery. Life members of the Gunnedah Pottery Club, their story is a beautiful reminder of how creativity and social connection can enrich our lives at any age.

Find out how Pat shares her talents with residents at Mackellar Apex Road aged care home and discover why staying connected to your community is so important for health and wellbeing 👉 Read more on our website. https://mcleancare.org.au/article-listing/a-lifetime-of-pottery-and-friendship/

20/01/2026

Residents from Mackellar Apex Road aged care home in Gunnedah recently enjoyed a special outing to the Werris Creek Railway Museum, stepping back in time and learning more about Australia’s rich rail history.

Known as “The Town That Never Slept”, Werris Creek was once one of NSW’s largest and busiest railway towns, operating day and night as a major rail hub for more than 70 years. Today, the beautifully preserved station and Rail Journeys Museum honour that legacy, with fascinating memorabilia, photographs and a detailed model railway capturing the town in its heyday.

14/01/2026

With the Tamworth Country Music Festival kicking off this week, care workers Neil and Mareta treated Evelyn, a McLean Care client, to a special lunch at the Big Golden Guitar Visitor Centre café.

After lunch, they explored the souvenir knick-knacks, found Evelyn’s house on the big map, and spent time admiring an old piano - sparking memories of when Evelyn learned to play many years ago in Emmaville.

Moments like these are about more than an outing. They’re about connection, reminiscing and enjoying the simple pleasures that bring joy and meaning to the day.

14/01/2026

Do you feel the heat more than you used to? You're not imagining it!

As we get older, our bodies can be more sensitive to hot weather - but a few simple steps can make a big difference.

We’ve shared practical tips to help you stay cool, hydrated and well this summer.
👉 Read the full article on our website. https://mcleancare.org.au/article-listing/feeling-the-heat-more-than-you-used-to-youre-not-imagining-it/

06/01/2026

What started as a creative idea became something much more...

At Mackellar Apex Road in Gunnedah, residents and team members came together to create beautiful mosaic café tables - building connection, purpose, and pride along the way.

👉 Read the full story on our website to see how creativity brought this project to life. https://mcleancare.org.au/article-listing/from-paper-to-purpose-residents-transform-their-cafe-through-art/

01/01/2026

29/12/2025

Residents at Kolora aged care home were treated to a special visit from one of our wonderful volunteers on Christmas eve, who generously gave their time to spread festive cheer.

With thoughtful gifts and beautiful Christmas songs, Shane Garrett filled the home with smiles, laughter and the joy of the season. Moments like these remind us how important kindness and community can be - especially at Christmas.

A heartfelt thank you to Shane for helping make Christmas Eve so memorable for our residents.

24/12/2025

A message from the CEO of McLean Care, Sue Thomson:

As we approach Christmas, I want to take a moment to wish everyone in our McLean Care community a safe, peaceful and happy festive season.

Christmas looks different for many people today. Families come in all shapes and sizes, and for some older people, this time of year can feel quieter or even lonely. If you know someone who may be on their own this Christmas, please reach out - a phone call, a visit or a simple message can make a world of difference.

At McLean Care, our mission is to create a community where people feel supported, safe and confident. When we watch the news lately, it can sometimes feel like the world is unsafe or unfair. While we can’t always change the big things, we can make a difference in the small, meaningful ways we connect with our neighbours, friends and family.

This Christmas, more than ever, I hope you feel the love, reassurance and kindness of those around you. And if you need support, please remember you are not alone - we are here for you.

From all of us at McLean Care, thank you for being part of our community. Wishing you a Christmas filled with care, connection and hope.