RangeCare posts $1.13m surplus as caring culture drives stand-out year

The RangeCare Board includes Hayley Holloway, Leigh Watkins, Chair Lenore Simpson, James Wilson-Smith, Greg Mannion, Kenneth Winsor and CEO Gary Holland.

by Cameron Outridge

RangeCare has capped a standout 2025 with a surplus of $1.138 million, eight years after warning members it faced successive $500,000 losses. Leaders told the AGM the not-for-profit was now stronger, more resilient and still “unapologetically caring” as it expands community services across the hinterland.

Board chair Lenore Simpson thanked patrons, sponsors and donors for backing “vital equipment, community programs and infrastructure,” noting volunteers contributed “over 13,000 hours this year, creating thousands of moments of connection and care.” 

Ms Simpson said innovation and prudent investment in digital systems and cyber security were improving safety, efficiency and the client experience, while a hub-and-satellite growth model would keep services local and accessible.

Chief executive Gary Holland said the turnaround was built on consolidation and culture: managing intake so “current clients get the care that they need,” preparing for national reforms, and strengthening systems and community links. “I have a lot of gratitude for the people that have got us to that success,” Mr Holland said. “Our clients entrust us with their care, our team members show kindness, our volunteers bring a sense of belonging, and our board provides strong governance and guidance.”

Mr Holland highlighted practical wins: a refreshed phone system “so someone can give us a call and get an answer fairly swiftly,” the repair and refresh of the Flaxton office after storm damage, a vibrant Mapleton Op Shop relaunch, an in-house handyman service, and a complex-client management tool delivering “innovations and efficiencies.” Recognition followed, with RangeCare named a finalist in multiple awards, including Information Transforming Aged Care and the Sunshine Coast Biosphere Community Awards.

Client experience at 96%

The scale of service also grew: the team has passed 250 staff, supported by a “hundred-strong” volunteer group; more than 600 Home Care Packages are in place; service delivery climbed by over 20% to about 210,000 hours — “not just hours of service, that’s hours of connection,” Mr Holland said — and client experience remains at 96%.

Finance and asset committee chair Leigh Watkins said the surplus reflected disciplined management and trustworthy data. “We have great confidence in what (management) is doing… We’re now seeing a profit from ordinary operations,” Mr Watkins said. He contrasted today’s position with the “difficult times” eight years ago, stressing RangeCare is “not chasing profit for profit’s sake,” but reinvesting locally to back staff, clients and new projects. That strength enabled humane decisions during Cyclone Alfred, when RangeCare waived cancellation fees for clients and paid staff who lost shifts. “It was the right decision,” Mr Holland said. “It showed our kindness and meaningful support.”

Looking ahead, leaders flagged continued investment in people, systems and partnerships, a planned new satellite office, deeper community engagement and preparations to celebrate RangeCare’s 40th year. 

“We really have made a difference – and we’re well positioned to keep making a difference in the years to come,” Mr Holland said.