The top 10 BaptistCare stories of 2024

It was difficult to pick the top 10 stories from our BaptistCare community across NSW, ACT and WA of the year. So much has happened, and you can look back at our stories in our blog archive, but here are ten of the best stories of 2024.

10: Opening the new look BaptistCare Caloola
BaptistCare Caloola has had a revamp and this year, the new-look aged care home was officially opened. BaptistCare Caloola has been designed around the "home-style" model of care which has been well received by residents as they've settled into their new home. 
 

9: Sharing our skills and perspective with International providers 
The BaptistCare Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence team welcomed a delegation from Japan to learn about the support and services we provide. To be recognised at an international level for our expertise, insights and experience is a testament to the hard work our Community Services teams do day in and day out. 

8: A united future 
In 2024, BaptistCare NSW, ACT and WA, Baptcare VIC and Baptist Care SA announced they will unite in 2025 to become one of the largest integrated care and service providers in Australia. Combined, the organisations will have over 12,000 staff and offer retirement living and aged care, community housing and family and community services to over 38,000 customers across New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia. 

7: Carlingford Seniors Living Village on the way to construction  
BaptistCare is future-proofing housing for seniors in Western Sydney with final approval granted for the construction of its Carlingford Seniors Living Village. Built on an historic and important site, BaptistCare is excited to get construction started on this project.

6: Launching Busselton's Home Care hub
There were cheers of joy when the cake and the official ribbon were cut at BaptistCare's new Home Care hub in Busselton, which opened this year. The new hub is an important space for BaptistCare Home Care clients and staff. 

5: Let them eat cake!
Happy 80th birthday to us! What a joy it was to see teams celebrating 80 years of care across NSW, ACT and WA and to reflect on the history and legacy of the work we do.  It's not too late to dive into our history in the final days of 2024. 
 

4: No wish too big or too small
If you could have one wish granted, what would it be?  This is what the team at BaptistCare Yallambee asked their residents, and the wishes started rolling in. Including one for a birthday tattoo! Did they grant it? 
 

3: Let's add a splash of colour
A bright, bold, beautiful mural now hangs proudly outside HopeStreet Port Kembla. Created by Jahynah Wiwerana-Donaczy in partnership with the IWAAC, the mural showcases ocean animals that hold significance to the local community. Meet the artist and discover the story of the mural.
 

2: You've got a friend in me
Some deep connections and beautiful friendships have formed thanks to BaptistCare At Home social clubs. Like in North Ryde, where food, games, stories and culture are at the heart of what makes the social club special. Step inside the North Ryde social club. 
 

1: Mentored by an Aussie icon
BaptistCare Orana was selected as one of the NSW aged care homes to be mentored by legendary Australian chef, Maggie Beer. As part of this, Head Chef Darren Ho has introduced a range of new food and home-grown produce initiatives. Read more about the mentorship here. 


This is just a selection of the incredible stories shared and told by our BaptistCare NSW, ACT and WA staff, residents and communities this year, (you can see more in the news section of our website).

Here's to a new year with plenty more great moments coming in 2024.