Benetas and Macedon Ranges Health have been working towards the amalgamation, which was made official as on 1 July 2018.

Sandra Hills, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Benetas says this “exciting new chapter” of the amalgamation is the start of delivering their vision for Macedon Ranges Health.

Ms Hills also took the opportunity to thank the Macedon Ranges community, the Macedon Ranges Health Board for their vision and leadership, as well as all involved in working to make the joining of the two organisations a reality.

“Through the amalgamation journey, we have seen firsthand that Benetas and Macedon Ranges Health are truly united in our strong community values and our unwavering commitment to the care and respect of our residents, clients and staff,” she says.

“By working together, our shared vision has never been clearer to deliver high quality, for purpose services for all in the region including those most vulnerable in our community, while investing in services to meet growing needs and creating local employment opportunities.

“Benetas is thrilled to continue our exciting work in delivering our unified vision for Macedon Ranges Health to best support current and future residents, clients, volunteers and staff.

“We are absolutely committed to ensuring the benefits of the amalgamation flow throughout the growing region. While the amalgamation may now be official, Benetas will continue to learn and work with the community to deliver the best Macedon Ranges Health possible.”

Former CEO of Macedon Ranges Health, Don Tidbury, will join Benetas as General Manager Primary Care, which will see him continue to be part of the provision of services for the region.

“It has been a privilege to serve as the CEO of Macedon Ranges Health with the wonderful support of our visionary Board and outstanding staff to deliver exceptional care and support to the local community,” Mr Tidbury says.

“I am delighted to be joining Benetas and have the opportunity to contribute to our organisation’s shared vision and remain heavily involved with Macedon Ranges Health in this new and exciting chapter.”

The amalgamation represents a major investment by Benetas over the next eight years with $60 million set to be invested to upgrade, expand and redevelop the facilities and services that Macedon Ranges Health provides.

The $60 million will fund:

• The rebuild of the Gisborne Oaks as a new, state of the art 130 bed residential aged care facility
• The development of a best practice, residential retirement village
• Growth of Macedon Ranges Health’s community and home care services
• An up-front initial investment of $1.2 Million in Macedon Ranges Health’s existing facilities and infrastructure