You are ACE! spotlights

Aged 70, Geoff Butcher thought his days of living on Country were behind him. Born in Normanton, he’d spent years away from his birthplace living in towns like Shepparton and Echuca in regional Victoria.

So, when someone mentioned an aged care facility called Kukatja Place in Normanton- his hometown - Geoff didn’t hesitate.

“When they said Normanton, I said, ‘Ooh, I will go back home,’” says the Garawa man.

Since, Jeff has been living with comfort, routine and regular visits from friends, his daughter, and the local wildlife.

“Out here, it’s fresh air, I go down to the river and see the crocs,” he says. “The staff are pretty cool and I get my three meals a day. I see myself staying a while longer, it’s great.”

Geoff is one of many Elders benefiting from a major shift in aged care delivery across Queensland’s Gulf.

In Normanton, Mornington Island, and Doomadgee, homes once plagued by low occupancy and provider turnover have found stability and purpose.

The organisation behind the change is Selectability, a not-for-profit provider better known for mental health support.

In 2023, they stepped into aged care for the first time when the federal government urgently sought a reliable provider in the region.

“We didn’t come in with answers,” says CEO Debra Burden. “We came in with questions. We asked councils, residents, and families: what would a good home look like here?”

For their groundbreaking efforts, Selectability has been nominated for a national award, in Ageing Australia’s You Are ACE! program, that honours exceptional care providers who go above and beyond.

Tom Symondson, CEO of Ageing Australia, says Selectability’s nomination is well deserved, allowing older people to age in their own communities.

“It takes deep commitment to deliver care to rural and remote communities,” he says.

“Selectability has not only stepped up to the plate in a time of urgent need, but they’re delivering quality care that places local needs and people at the heart.”

In Normanton, Selectability bought a rundown motel and converted it into staff housing. It now runs as a commercial business, with profits redirected to local wellbeing services.

At the same time, aged care facilities were upgraded and re-staffed. Over 90 per cent of workers are now employed directly by Selectability, many on FIFO arrangements but increasingly local.

Occupancy has improved dramatically, with 13 of 15 beds full in Mornington, 12 of 15 beds in Normanton, and 7 of 10 beds in Doomadgee.

“Selectability isn’t just showing up - they’re staying,” says Melissa Forman, Regional Manager in Normanton.

“The Elders here have felt pushed aside for so long. There’s a real buzz here now. The community sees what’s going on and they’re excited. It’s not just the [aged care] facility - it’s that broader sense that something solid is being built here,” she says.