Bolton Clarke Farnorha, Cairns

06/08/2026

Residents had a special visit from Moderate Family Early Learning kindy. Together they played picture bingo, read a few books, sang and played balloon games. Resident Kathy said she had happy tears in her eyes while spending time with the kids!

14/07/2026

This National Diabetes Week (12-18 July), experts are urging older people to check their foot health regularly for early signs of diabetes and related complications.
Bolton Clarke Research Institute Senior Research Fellow Dr Rajna Ogrin says people over 65 have a higher risk of diabetes complications as a result of longer duration diabetes.
“As feet are mostly out of sight, they can be out of mind,” Dr Ogrin said.
“This can be a big problem for our clients, particularly as the first diabetes complications often manifest in feet and these can easily be missed, leading to serious illness, wounds, infections, amputations.
“If you have diabetes, it’s important to check your feet every day and get prompt medical attention for things like blisters, swelling, redness, ingrown nails, cuts and bruises, calluses, cracked skin, corns and nail colour changes.”

Read more about the work Bolton Clarke is doing to support wellbeing for people with diabetes here: https://www.boltonclarke.com.au/news-resources/corporate-news/national-diabetes-week-experts-urge-regular-foot-checks-for-diabetes-detection-and-management/

16/06/2026

Did you know that around one in four Australians experience incontinence and on average, most people wait four to six years before seeking support? Often, people are embarrassed to seek support. This week is World Continence Week and the good news is there are some simple actions everyone can take to prevent or address incontinence and improve bladder health.
Read more here:

This week is World Continence Week, focused on educating people about bladder and bowel health, encouraging early intervention and equipping health care workers to provide support. The good news is for most people incontinence can be prevented and addressed. Read top tips for bladder health here.

04/06/2026

To mark World Environment Day today, Bolton Clarke has announced a new partnership with Reforest that will make a real difference for an endangered North Queensland habitat.

The initiative will fund planting of a tree for every new resident welcomed into Bolton Clarke retirement living communities from 1 July.
It supports the Mabi Forest Restoration project on the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland—one of the most endangered forest ecosystems in the state. Once cleared for agriculture and forestry, the land is now being carefully revegetated with endemic Mabi Forest species using best-practice restoration techniques.
Bolton Clarke Director of Operations Retirement Living, Jon Kirkman, said the decision to work with Reforest reflected a growing focus on sustainability among residents, who wanted to be part of positive change.
“Partnering with Reforest is a simple, practical way we can bring our sustainability commitment to life,” he said.
“We’ve already planted 193 trees in the Mabi forest this year – contributing to the restoration of 731 square metres of land - to recognise the contribution of every member of our retirement living team and the people who support them.
“Now, from July 1, we will build on that by planting a tree for every new resident who chooses to become a part of one of our vibrant retirement living communities across Australia.
“Each tree will help restore cleared land on the Atherton Tablelands using native species and proven restoration methods, rebuilding habitat for wildlife including species such as the Lumholtz’s tree kangaroo and strengthening the landscape for the future.
“It’s a small action, but an important one – a practical commitment that connects each new beginning with a lasting legacy.”

30/05/2026

It was a beautiful scenic trip along the southern rainforest rim to Babinda for the residents' annual tradition! Heading to Babinda Alpaca Farm the resident were excited to see the newborn, only 5-week-old, full of life jumping around in and out of the legs of other alpacas. The day was perfect with the sun shining and delightful encounters with the animals. Michelle, one of the farm owners, was the perfect host yet again, explaining to the residents the operations of the farm. On the way back, we looked for the crocodiles in the freshwater creek and into the Tully River, but they were obviously hiding - not so lucky this year!

29/05/2026

For National Volunteers Day, Farnorha came together for the morning to say thank you to the 42 wonderful people and all they do to help make the community what it is!

22/05/2026

Cairns Rock 'n' Roll Group volunteered their time for Mother's Day with our Infinity Duo for an hour of absolute fun. They rocked and rolled the roof off of Farnorha, getting residents up to enjoy their day. Special thanks goes to Jim from Infinity Duo who brough the dancers in! Each of the mums in the home received a special gift to say thank you for all they have done as mothers!

22/05/2026

20/05/2026

Farnorha team member Jumiela put it upon herself to create a stunning Glam Day for our ladies.

The ladies were treated to a day of hair and makeup before enjoying a photoshoot and morning tea with their family members. Champas was served during the makeup and hair, of course! The clothing and glam feathers were donated by a family member, and the ladies just had a wonderful pamper morning chatting and laughing, and of course posing.

Special shoutout to Judy for her time doing everyone's hair and makeup beautifully and Jumiela for putting this passion project together!

18/05/2026

This week is National Volunteer Week and we’re saying a huge thank you to all the volunteers who are part of our Bolton Clarke community.
In our retirement villages, about 31 per cent of residents volunteer in some capacity in the village or the wider community.
Across our residential aged care homes, more than 400 volunteers regularly give their time to help support residents.
Volunteers also play a vital role in the work of our Research Institute with almost 700 customers, employees and community members signing up to the Research Volunteers register and contributing to projects that support health and wellbeing across Australia and internationally.